I 



8* 



THE 
EXPERIENCE 

AND 

GOSPEL LABOURS 

OF THE 

REV. BENJAMIN ABBOTT % 

1 1 

fO WHICH IS ANNEXED 

A NARRATIVE OF 

HIS 

LIFE AND DEATH. 

BY JOHN FFIRTH. 
« ci -:3fr;4>;^fr:-5i»:3fr: q » 

Mark the perfect man, and behold the uprights 
for the end of that man is peace. Psalm xxxvii. Sf* 

HARRISONBURG: 

PRINTED BY A. DAVISSON* 
FOR JAMES A. DILLWORTH, ROCKINGHAM COtmTT, 

Virginia* 
1820, 



i 



-J *A 



$6 



PREFACE. 



£ THE greater part of the following work 
was written many years after the occurrences 
took place; and as Mr. Abbott's memory 
could not precisely ascertain the exact time 
of the occurrences, they are consequently in- 
serted without day or date. However, it is 
of no material consequence, whether an occur- 
rence took place on a Monday or a Saturday ; 
whether in May or December, or in what 
particular year ; provided that the relation 
thereof be true, and the subject be calculated 
to improve the mind and to promote virtue 
and religion- 
Could Mr, Abbott have given a relation of 
every meeting, and all the particular occur- 
rences, with dav and date, it would have 
swelled the work ktr beyond what he designed 
or wished, and would have ted him to a de- 
tail of many things of no importance. He 
only wished to relate the most material cir- 
cumstances and occurrences in his life, which 
he could perfectly recollect. The day and 
date not being mentioned, is, in the opinion 
of the compiler, of no disadvantage to the 
work. 

Mr. Abbott, a short time before his death, 
put his manuscripts in possession of the com- 
piler (John Ffiyth}; with a request, that he 
WQuld.arrange and revise them for publication .;; 



PREFACE. 



which he has endeavoured to perform to the 
best of his ability. Care has been taken, not 
to expunge any thing that might be of utility ; 
and also to preserve the original, plain, simple 
ideas and language of the man. 

If some circumstances or occurrences do 
not stand exactly in that order of arrangement, 
in which they occured in point of time, the 
compiler does not hold himself accountable 
for the error ; and he hopes, that, if such in* 
accuracy should appear, it will be held ex- 
cusable in the judgment of every judicious 
and candid reader. 

The work is thrown into two parts ; Part 
the First, contains his experience and gospel 
labours, previous to his entering the itinerant 
connection of Methodist Preachers ; during 
which time, he visited various parts of New- 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Mary- 
land. Part the Second, contains his travels 
and gospel labours, after he entered the iU 
inerant connection. 

The compiler had an intimate acquaintance 
with Mr. Abbott for about twenty years, and 
had knowledge of some things relative to that 
eminent saint of God (which were not men- 
tioned in his own manuscripts) which may be 
acceptable to the reader : he has, therefore an. 
nexed to the work, a Narrative of the Hfe 
and death of that extraordinary, sealous, faith- 

fuh and useful man. 
H THE COMPILER, 



TEE EXPERIENCE, fife. 



FART THE FIRST. 

Containing his Parentage, Birth, Marriage, and 
Manner Life, while in Nature's Darkness-* 
His Conviction, Conversion, and Sanctification~ 
His Gospel Labours, and divers remarkable Oc- 
currences while a Local Preacher, till the Death 
of his Wife. 

MY Grandfather, James Abbott, was born 
JjJL in Somersetshire, in Great Britain : He 
removed to America, and settled on Long- 
Island, where he married and had five sons 
and two daughters, My father^ Benjamin Ab- 
bott, was his third son : when he arrived at 
age, he removed from Long-Island into New- 
Jersey, where he married the daughter of Mr. 
John Burroughs, Sheriff of Hunterdon County*. 
Afterwards he removed again to Long-Island^ 
where he resided for some time, and had two 
sons and one daughter. After this he sold his 
farm, and moved into Pennsylvania, bought a 
plantation of four hundred acres of good land^ 
and lived in credit — where he had three sons 
and one daughter more. My mother, where 
on her death bed, lay sick of a nervous com- 
plaint about five weeks. In the dead of the 
night before she expired,* she cried unto the 
Lord, andbesought him £0 look in mercy upon* 
lUe family and with a laud voice prayed 



e 



fervently for us aft, which caused the speeta* 
tors ta wonder, and to cry out, 44 Hannah* 
what is the matter with you Next day she 
departed this life. I then pondered these things 
in my heart. 

la six weeks after, my father took the small- 
pox, and departed this life, leaving my grand- 
father executor In his will he ordered that 
we should all have trades ; accordingly I was 
put to a hatter in Philadelphia, where I soon 
fell into bad company, and from that to card- 
playing, cock fightings and many other evil 
practices.. My master and I parted before my 
time was out, and I went into Jvrsev, and hired 
with one of mv brothers, where I wrought at 
plantation work. Some time after this 1 mar- 
ried ; and when I got what my father had left 
me, I rented a farm, and followed that busi- 
ness ^ But all this time I had no fear of God 
^ f ore my eyes, but lived in sin and open re- 
bellion against God, m drinking, fighting 
^wearing, gambling, &c. yet I worked hard and 
got a comfortable living for my family. 1 pro- 
fessed m\sel£ a presby terian, went often to 
meeting, and many times the-45pirit of God 
alarmed my guiky soul of its danger ; but it 
as often wore off again. 

Thus i continued in a scene of sin, until 
the fortieth year of my age ; yet many were 
the promises I ipade,, during that period, to a,-. 
Biend mv life* but all to no purpose ; they 
were as often broken* as made ; lor as yet I 
aevw had heard the nature oi conviQUoa w 



7 



conversion t it was a dark time respecting re- 
ligion, and little or nothing ever said about 
experimental religion ; and co m.v knowledge 
I never had heard either roan or woman say* 
that they had the pardoning love of God m 
their souls,, or knew their sins were forgiven. 
My wife was a member of the presbyterianr 
church, and a prav ing woman ; yet at that time 
she knew nothing about a heart work. 

Aoout the thirty-third year of my age, I 
dreamed that 1 died and was carried to hell, 
which appeared tome to be a large place, arched 
over, containing three apartments with arched 
doors to go from one ap irtment to another. I 
was brought into the fk*t, where I saw nothing 
but devils and evil spirits, which tormented 
me in such a manner, that my tongue or pere 
cannot express. I cried for mercy, but in vain* 
There appeared to me a light like a star, at & 
great distance from me ; : 1 strove to get to it,, 
but all in vain. Being huiried into the second 
apartment, the devils put me iruo a vice, and 
tormented me until my body was all in a 
gore of blood— I cried again for mercy, but 
still in vain. 1 observed that a light followed 
me, and I heard one say to me, " How good 
doth this light appear to you." I was soon 
hurried into the third apartment, where there 
were scorpions with stings in their tails* fasten- 
ed in sockets at the end thereof i their tails 
appeared to be about a fathom* long, and every 
time they struck me, their stings, which ap. 
f eared an kick and a half in length, stuck £ast 



in me, and they roared like thunder. Here I 

was constrained to cry again for mercy. As 
fast as I pulled out the sting of one, another 
struck roe. I was hurried through this apart- 
ment to a lake that burned w uh fire : it ap- 
peared like a flaming fur nance, and the flames 
dazzled like the sun. The devils were here 
throwing in the souls of men and women. 
There appeared two regiments of devils mov- 
ing through the arches, blowing up the Acmes ; 
and when they came to the end, one regiment 
turned to the right, and they other to the left, 
and came round the pit, and the screeches of 
the damned were beyond the expression of 
man. When it came to my turn to be thrown 
in, one devil took me bv the head and an- 
other by the feet, and with the surprise la- 
woke and loundit a dream. But oh! what 
horror seized my guilty breast! I thought I 
should die and be damned. This brought 
seriousness to my mind for about eight or ten 
davs, in which I made many promises to mend 
my life, but they soon wore off again. 

About five or six weeks after this, I dream- 
ed that I died and was carried into one ofc 
the most beautiful places I ever saw, and my 
guide brought me to one of the most elegant 
buildings I ever beheld, and when we came 
to it, the gates opened to us of their own ac- 
cord and we went straight forward into the 
building, where we were met by a company 
of the Lavenlv host arrayed in white raiment 
down to their "feet. We passed on through 



the entry until we came to a door on the right, 
which stood about half open, pacing a little 
forward, we made a stand before the door ; I 
looked in, and saw the Ancient of Days sitting 
upon the throne, and all around him appeared 
a dazzling splendour, I stood amazed at the 
sight ; one stepped forward to me arryed in 
white, which I knew to be my wife's mother, 
and said to me " Benjamin, this place is not 
for you yet," so I returned, and my guide 
brought me back. I awoke with amaze at 
what I had seen, and concluded that I should 
shortly die, which brought all my sins before 
me, and caused me to make many promises to 
God to repent, which lasted for some time ; 
but this wore off again, and I went to mv old 
practices, / One sabbath-day ('mr minister 
being sick, and my wife being a great meeting 
body) hearing that there was to be a methodist 
meeting about ten or twelve miles distance, 
she expressed a desire to go to it, and asked 
my consent ; I gave it ; and she and my oldest 
son and daughter went to hear the man. On 
their return, I asked her how she liked the 
preacher, she replied that he was as great a 
p eacher as ever she had heard in all her life : 
And persuaded me to go and hear for myself; 
accordingly on the next sabbath I went ; there 
was a large congregation assembled to hear the 
man ; his text was, Come unto me all ye that 
labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you 
rest, Matth. xi. 28, The man was much 
engaged, and the people were crying all through 



10 



the house ; this greatly surprised trie, for I 
never had seen the like before. The sermon? 
made no impression on me; but when he 
came to the application, he said, "It may be r 
" that some of you may think that there i^ 
M neither God nor devil, heaven nor hell, only 
H a guilty conscience ; and indeed my friends 
" that is bad enough." But, said he, "I 
u assure you that there is both heaven and 
" hell. God and Devil," I spoke, 1 am the 
man. But he went on and said, " When I 
u was coming from England to this country,, 
Ci I saw a ball of fire fall from the elements a- 
w about as large as a small pot, &c." Ills 
illustrating from this, he argued that fire was. 
contained in every thing, and that there was. 
a dreadful hell that was beyond our compre- 
hension, and advised the people to fly ^ttx 
Christ for refuge ; he then shewed the reality 
of the existence of * God, from a beautiful 
illustration of his works, which were evidenced 
to us daily, and that this God had created the 
heavens and earth. Then called upon the 
people to come unto God, for Christ had died, 
for their redemption. There was much weep- 
ing and heavv groaning among the people. 
Meeting being over, the two dreams, that t 
had dreamed about seven years b fore, came 
as fresh into my mind as if dreamed the night 
before, ami that God had shewn me both 
h aven and hell, the state of the blessed and. 
the damned. This brought me to think o£ 
my ausgeut life, and in a moment all sias^ 



11 

that I ever had committed were brought to 
my view ; 1 saw re was the mercy of God 
that I was out of hell, and promised to amend 
my life in future — I went home under awful 
sensations of a future stave ; my convictions 
increased, and I began to lead my Bible with 
attention, and saw things in a different light 
from what 1 had ever seen them before, and 
made many promises to G'kI, with tears and 
groans, to forsake sin ; but I knew not the 
wa\ to Christ for refuge, being ignorant of the 
nature both ot conviction a^d conversion. 
But blessed be God, he still gave me light, 
so that the work was deepened in my soul 
day by day : The preacher came to preach 
in our neighbourhood, and I went to hear him 
again ; it being a new thing in the place, 
brought many together to hear him. Son e 
were presbv terians, some baptists, and others 
without any professions of religion. He took 
his text and preached with power ; the word 
reached my heart in such a powerful manner 
that it shook every joint in my body ; tears 
flowed in abundance, and I cried out lor 
mercy, of which the people took notice, and 
many others were melted into tears ; when 
the sermon was over, the people flocked round 
the preacher and began to dispute with him 
about principles of religion. I said that there 
never was such preaching as this; but the 
people said, Abbott is going mad. 

I returned home with mv family in sore 
distress and pondered these things in my 



mind : I saw it was the mercy of God that I 
was out belt 1 cried to God for mercy > but 
it seemed" ail in vain. It brought to my mind 
the many imes his Holy Spirit had strove 
with me from time to time when I was a small 
boy, and from that time to this, Satan suggest- 
ed to me thai my day of grace was now over, 
and that I was one oi those damned uprobates 
thai God had assigned over to him from all 
eternity ; the refore, 1 might pray and cry, but 
he was sure of me at last Being brought up in 
the doctrine of election and reprobation I 
concluded that I should be damned do what I 
could: by this time my case became desperate. 
I knew not what to do and was almost in 
despair, One day going to mill, I felt such 
a hell in my breast arising from a guilty con- 
science, and being belated in my return, as I 
was passing through a piece of woods, the 
devil suddenly suggested to my mind, that as 
I was one of the reprobates and there w as no 
mercy for me, 1 had better hang myself and 
know the worst of it, while I was looking for 
a suitable place for that purpose, I thought I 
heard a voice sav ing (alluding to the anxiety 
and distress of soul that I then felt) " This 
torment is nothing to hell." I immediately 
changed m\ mind and drove home under the 
greatest anxiety imaginable, for it appeared 
to me the devil was behind me in the waggon 
with his hand just over my head, threatening 
to take me awav both soul and body. I can- 
pot express my feelings at that time, my hair 



13 



arose on my head through Fear. I was afraid 
to look back, lest I should visibly see him. 
In this deplorable condition I returned home ; 
when I got into the house I dared not go 
outside of the door, for fear the devil would 
take me away. My wife saw that something 
was the matter with me, and enquired what it 
was ; for, said she, " You look like death." 
I was constrained to turn from her and weep, 
for I expected she knew my condition, as she 
had been a member of the presbyterian church 
for rhany years, and was a pra)ing woman* 
Bed time being come, I told her I should 
sleep by myself; when I lay down, and 
fell into a do^e, my mind was filled with awful 
apparitions. I thought I saw devils ready to 
take me ; hell open ready to receive me : and 
that I was rolling, bed and all, into the flames, 
while other huge devils stood ready to receive 
me* Then I would suddenly awake in the 
greatest distress imaginable, and so I continued 
during the night. Next morning, being the 
9ch of October 1772, having a piece of grass 
to cut, I arose and went to it : as soon as I 
began to mow, 1 was taken with fainting fits* 
and it seemed to me that the earth would 
open and swallow me up, while my troubled 
heart beat so loud that I could hear the 
strokes, and could compare it to two men a 
boxing or threshing, more than like its usual 
motions. It occurred to my mind, what is 
all the world to me ; I shall be dead and 
damned before the setting sun* This caused 
B 



14 



nie to lav down my scythe, while I stood 
weeping for my bins ; but alas ! all in vain. 
I still "grew worse, and went back to the 
house under great distress, where I read some 
hymns, that I had in a book, of the sufferings 
of our blessed Lord and Saviour. Here my 
heart was tendered and I could weep freely, 
until my very cheeks were sore with wiping 
them. It was pressed upon me to pray, and 
perhaps the Lord would have mercy upon me, 
I endeavoured to comply with the impression, 
and went to a lonely place and kneeled down 
to pray ; but the devil suggested to my mind 
thai there was some body hid in the woods, 
and they would laugh at me, so I arose and 
looked all round for them, but could see no 
one, yet I dared not pray there. However I 
went to the other end of my field and kneeled 
down again ; here the enemy suggested the 
same thing, but the Lord gave me strength to 
pray, it being the first time I ever prayed with 
a vocal voice. My prayer was not like the 
Pharisee, but like the poor publican, I cried, 
" God be mercyful to me a sinner !" God 
have mercy on me ! I believe I might have 
been heard half a mile ; my distress was not 
so great when I arose from prayer as when 
I kneeled ; for I believe I could not have con- 
tinued in the body, if God had not moderated 
the pain and anxiety that 1 was in, but must 
have expired before the going down of the 
sun. Glory to God, I felt my distress some- 
what removed ! I then returned to the house 



smd sat down to dinner, but my soul was still . 
in so great distress that I could not eat ; al- 
though I put food into my mouth and chewed 
it, yet I could not swallow it ; so in as private 
a manner as possible, that my wife should not 
discover mv anxiety, I threw it to the dog, 
and asked her if she would go with me to 
meeting, as a methodist preacher was to preach 
in the neighbourhood that afternoon ; she a~ 
greed, and we went. When we got there, 
the people not being assembled, I retired into 
the woods to pray, and got in among the 
boughs of a fallen tree, and then in the ut- 
most anguish of my soul I cried unto God 
for mercy, so loud, that the people at the 
house heard me. After this y 1 felt something 
easier, but still had no peace. 1 then went 
to one of the near neighbours, and adv ised 
them to go with me and hear the preacher, 
whom I spake so highly of, that they all went. 
When we got there the preacher had come, 
and there was a large concourse assemble d : 
a great many more than could get into the 
house. I went in, sat down and took my 
little son upon my knee — the preacher began 
soon after His word was attended with such 
power that it ran through me from head to 
foot, and I shook and trembled like Btlshaz- 
z ir, and felt that 1 should cry out, if 1 did not 
leave the house, which I determined to do, 
that I might not expose myself by crying out 
among the people ; but when 1 attempted to 
put my little son down and rise to go, I 



16 

found that my strength had failed me, and 
the use of my limbs was so far gone that I was 
utterly unable to rise. Immediately 1 cried a- 
loud, like the penitent of old, Save Lord or I 
perish— ^Bui before the preacher concluded, I 
refrained and wiped my eyes : my heart gave 
way to shame, and I was tempted to. wish' I 
was dead or could die> as I had so exposed 
myself that my neighbours and acquaintance 
would laugh at and despise me. When meet- 
ing was over I thought to speak to the preacher,, 
but such a croud got round him disputing 
points of doctrine, that I could not convenient- 
ly get an opportunity. That evening I set up, 
family prayer, it being the first time I ever 
had attempted to pray in my family. My 
wife being a strict presbyterian and professor 
of religion, she was a praying woman and 
much pleased with ha vkig family prayer ; so 
that she proved a great help to me and en- 
deavoured to encourage me in my duty ; aU 
though, dear creature, at that time, she knew? 
nothing of experimental religion. 

Saturday 10th of October, 1772, my dis- 
tress continued, although not so great as the 
day before. 

Sunday 11th, ray wife and I went eleven 
or twelve miles to meeting, in order to hear 
the same methodist preacher again. When 
we arrived at the place^the preacher was walk- 
ing across a field ; I went and related co him 
my distress of soul, and told him that 1 had 
S desire to be baptised* hoping it would be 



m 

of service to make me better, and relieve me 
©f my distress ; for I had no idea of faith 
in Christ. He asked me if I was a quaker. 
I told him no, I was nothing but a poor 
wretched condemned sinner. He then ex- 
horted me to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and applied the promises of the gospel; I 
replied, I could not believe that Christ would 
have mercy on such a sinner as I was, and 
burst into a flood of tears. He then said, I 
was the very man that Christ died for, or 
he would not have awakened me. That it 
was the lost, Christ came to seek, and the 
greatest of sinners he came to save, and com- 
manded me to believe, V/ e then went to the 
house ; he soon began to preach and I stood 
outside the door, for I was afraid to go in 
lest I should expose myself again, as on the 
Friday before : In his prayer he particularly 
prayed for the poor broken hearted sinner. His 
cries to God on this occasion ran through 
my heart like darts, and daggers ; after meeting 
I returned and prayed kk my family, and ever 
after continued that duty. That night I lay 
alone, expecting to sleep little, but to pray 
and weep all night > whenever 1 fell into a 
slumber, it appeared to me tfeat I saw hell 
opened ready to receive me,, and I just on 
the point of droping in, and devils waiting to 
seize me. Being thus alarmed, it would a- 
rouse me up, crying to the Lord to save me- 
an d thus I passed the whole night m this ter- 
liied unhappy condition. Just at the dawn* 

2 



ing of the day, f fell into a doze more like 
sleep than any I had during the whole nightj. 
in which I dreamed that I saw a river as clear 
as crystal, in the midst of which appeared a 
rock, with a child sitting upon it, and a multi- 
tude of people on the shore, who said, the 
child would be lost. 1 then saw a small 
man on the bank of the river, whose hair was 
very black, and he and I wrestled together, 
I heard the people cry .out, the child is lost ; 
and looking round, I saw it Boating down 
the river, and when it came opposite where we 
were, it threw up its wings, and I saw it was 
an angeh The man, with whom L wrestled^ 
told me, there was a sorrel or red horse,, 
chained head and hind foot in the river, and 
bade me go down and loose him. The people 
parted to the right and left, forming a lane 
for mc to pass through : I immediately hasten-, 
ed to the river, and went in, the water running: 
ov er my head, and without receiving any kind 
of injury, I loosed the horse, and immediately 
I sprang out of the water like a cork, or the 
bouncing of a ball, and at that instant 1 awoke, 
and saw, by faith, the Lordlesus Christ stand- 
ing by me, with his arms extended wide, 
saving to me, 6 - / died for ypu" I then looked 
up, and by faith isan the Ancient of Davs, 
aid he said to me " I freely forgive thee for* 
» w hat Chrut has dons " At this i burst into, 
a flood oi tears, and with joy in m\ hearty 
cried and praised God, and said, Oh!, that 
t^ere were a ruiaister to give me the Lord's* 



Supper V Then by feith T saw the Lord Jesus-* 
come to me as with a cup in his hand, and 
he gave it me, and I took it and drank there- 
of: It was like unto honey for sweetness. At 
that moment the scriptures were wonderfully 
opened to^my understanding. I was now en- 
abled to interpret the dream or vision, to my 
satisfaction — viz. The river which I saw, 
rt presented to me tht river of life, proceeding 
from the throne of God : Spoken of bv the 
Psalmist xlil 4, and also in Rev. xxi-i i* 
The numerous company on the shore re pre*, 
sented the angels of Gocl, standing to rejoice 
at my conversion, according- to Luke xv. 6 T. 
The sorrel or red horse, I thought, was my 
own spirit or mind, fettered with the cords 
of unbelief, or the chains of the devil. The 
colour, represented the carnal mind or nature 
of sitan, which was stamped upon me, and 
thus I was plunged into the river, where the 
cords of unbelief were immediately loosed by 
fai h, and my captive soul set at liberty; arid 
my bouncing out, was a representation of the 
lightness of my heart,, which sprang up to God, 
upon my instantaneous change from nature to 
grace. The man at whose command I was 
loosed, was Christ : Thus I was set at liberty 
from the chains of bondage and enmity of the 
carnal mind 

At this time I thought of my daughter, who, 
was under distress of soul, she was about 14 
years of age; I looked up towards the chamber^ 
wJkexie she was* with a particular concern foj? 



her conversion r and the Lord said to me r w 
u safely landed " which was accompanied with 
a conviction in my mind, that she had found 
the Lord, which was the case, as I found after 
I arose and spoke to her. I have since thought 
that the child I saw in my vision or dream, 
might represent my daughter; who, instead 
of being lost, was safely landed. She served 
the Lord a number of years, and died tri- 
umphant in the faith ; and I have no doubt 
but our loss wab her infinite gain, and that 
she landed in glory. 

All the time of my conviction I used to 
consider what church or society I should^ 
}pin, whether the baptists, presbyter ian, or 
methodists ; but at this time the Lord said 
unto me, " You must join the methodists, 
" for thev are my people, and they are right.'* 
My heart frit as light as a bird, being re- 
lieved of that load of guilt, which before had 
bowed own my spirits, and my body felt as 
active as when J was eighteen, so that the 
outward and inward man were both animated* 
and I felt as if I could have sprung from the 
bed to the fire, which was about fifteen feet. 

I arose and called up the family, and to< k 
down the testament, and tht first place I opened 
was the ninth chapter of Acts, where Saul 
breathed out threatening* and slaughter a- 
gainst the church or disciples of the Lord^ 
and if I had had a congregation I could have 
preached : but having none, onlv my family, 
\ expounded the chapter, and exhorted them* 




21 



and then sang and prayed. After breakfast 
I told my wife that I must go and tell the 
neighbours what the Lord had done for my 
soul : The first place I went to, the man 
and his wife were both professors of religion, 
and members of the baptist church ; 1 ex- 
pected they knew what these things were, and 
would rejoice with me, but to my great sur- 
prise, whe n I related my experience, and told 
what God had done for my soul, it appeared 
as strange to them as if I had claimed pos- 
session of Old England, and called it all my 
own. I then set out to Jacob El well's mill, 
about two miles off, where t e xpected to meet 
with divers persons, and to have an opportunity 
to exhort them, and tell them what I had 
found* On my way there, I exhorted all I 
met with to turn to God. When I got to 
the mill, while I was telling them my ex- 
perience, and exhorting them to flee from the 
wrath to come, some laughed, and others cried, 
and some thought i had gone distracted. Be- 
fore night a report was spread all through 
the neighbourhood, that f was raving mad °, 
at evening I returned home, and asked my 
wife about her conviction and conversion, ex- 
pecting as she professed religion, that she 
knew what heart religion was ; but to my 
astonishment, I found she never had experi- 
enced a change of heart. She had been a- 
wakened, when young under a sermon ©f Mr. 
Hunter (apresbyterian minister) which brought 
to prayer, but in process of time it wore 



off again. About seven years after that, as 
a brother of her's was setting under a fence 
watching for deer, another man, who was also 
a hunting, about sun set, seeing his head 
through the fence and taking it to be a fox, 
shot and killed him - r this unfortunate aftYir 
gave her another alarm, which brought her 
again to prayer ; but this also wore off in a 
short time, and she lived in neglect of that 
duty until after we were married, and had 
three children ; at which time the measles 
came into the famiiv, and under her afflictions 
and distress, she covenanted with God to be 
more religious : from which time she became 
a praying woman, and joined the presby terian 
church, and was looked upon as a very religious 
person, al hough she rested short of conversion, 
and remained a stranger to the new birth ; 
I told her that she had no religion, and was 
nothing more than a strict pharisee : This 
gave her displeasure, and she asked me if 
I thought that none had religion, but those 
who knew it : f told her no, not one : For 
all who had it, must know it. Next dav she 
went to her minister to know what he thought 
of it. Re told her she was right, for people 
might be good christians and know nothing 
about what I insisted on; and advised her 
not to mind me, for r was expecting io be 
saved by ray works. This gave her a mo- 
mentaiy satisfaction, and home she came, q utt 
strong, and attacked me, and related what her 
minister had said : Sue also brought a. book 



23 

which he had sent me, requesting 1 would 
read it, entitle d " Bellamey*s N ,\ Divinity, 
in which he insisted upon conversion before 
conviction, and faith before repentance : I 
read it about half through and found him a 
rigid predestinarian. His doctrine of decrees 
and unconditional election and reprobation, 
so confused my mind, that I threw it by, 
determining to read no more in it, as my own 
experience clearly proved to me, that the 
doctrines it contained were false. Next day, 
m\ wife carried the book back. I desired 
her to tell the minister, from me, that it was 
full of lies, which scripture and experience 
both proved. He sent for me to come and 
see him ; accordingly the day following I went 
and dined with him ; after dinner, he requested 
all the family to withdraw from the dining 
room, they did so, and he and I were left alone. 
He then told me he understood that God had 
done great things for me ; whereupon I re- 
lated my conviction and mv conversion ; he 
paid a strict attention until I had done, and 
then told me that I was under strong delu- 
sions of the devil. He got a book out of 
his library for me to read ; as he handed it 
to me, the Lord shewed me by the voice of 
his spirit, that the book was not fit for me. 
However, i disobeyed the divine impression, 
and took it at the minister's request; I re- 
turned home, felt a temptation to doubt, and 
called to mind my various sins, but none of 
them condemned me. I then thought upon 



24 



a particular sin, which I concluded would con* 
deiiln but in a ipomtni I kit an evidence, 
that J/W sin was forgiven, as tfcpitgh separate 
from all the rest that ever I had commuted; 
but recollecting, the minister had told me that 
4fc I was under strong delusions ot the devil," 
it was suggested to my mind, it may be he 
is right ; V went a little out of the road and 
kneekd down and prayed to God, that if I 
was deceivtd, to undeceive me ; and the Lord 
said to me, " W h\ do you doubt? Is not 
44 Christ all-sufficient ? Is he not able ? Have 
44 vou not felt his blood applied?" I then 
sprung upon my feet, and cried out, not all 
the devils in hell, nor all the predestinarians 
on earth should make me doubt ; for 1 knew 
that I was converted : At that instant I was 
filled with unspeakebie raptures of joy When 
I got home, my wife asked what the minister 
had said. I told her, and that he had no 
religion : At which she burst into tears, and 
wept, to think I should say the minister had 
no religion. She said it was dreaful that I 
should" condemn their minister. She then 
said, you hate me and all the presbyterians. 
1 replied, no my dear, I love \ou all, but as 
yet i have not found one converted christian 
among y ou. [ J 

For three days I continued in these divine 
raptures of joy, and thought I should have 
no it ore trials or warfare, not being acquainted 
with the travels of a christrian through the 
snares and dangers in life. But the fourth 



25 

day, I fell into heaviness through powerful 
temptations. The devil harassed my soul with 
fear that I had grieved the Spirit of God, and 
that it had left me. A severe temptation ran 
through me, u Let him go if he will! Let 
44 him go if he will." Then it was strongly 
suggested to my mind, that I had as good 
turn back to my old ways again ; but I cried, 
no! 1 love my Jesus ! I never will: no, not 
for a thousand worlds ! In the evening I 
prayed as usual, but still felt as if dark and 
forsaken ; after I got into bed, the Lord visited 
me in a powerful manner, and 1 lay as in the 
arms of Jesus. Towards the dawn of day, 
in a dream, I thought I saw the preacher, un- 
der whom I was awakened, drunk, and play- 
ing cards, with his garments all defiled with 
dirt. When 1 awoke and found it a dream, 
I was glad ; although I still felt some uneasi- 
ness on his account. In about three weeks 
after, I heard that the poor unfortunate preacher 
had fallen into sundry gross sins, and was 
expelled from the methodisi connection : Thus 
I saw my dream fulfilled. The tidings of 
his fall filled me with such distress, that I 
wandered about like a poor lost sheep with 
these reflections; If the head is thus fallen, 
what will become of me, or what combats may 
I have with the devil? At length, when in 
prayer, under sore temptation, almost in 
despair, a new thought was impressed on my 
mind, that I must not trust m the arm of 
flssh, for, Cursed is he that putteth his trust 



S6 



in the arm of flesh. I then saw that my 
salvation did not depend on his standing or 
falling : I had to stand for myself, and to give 
diligence, through grace, to save my own soul ; 
that my soul must answer at the bar of God 
for my own deeds. I then drew a conclu- 
sion, that I would not join any church, until 
I had read the Bible, and compared it with 
their articles or confessions of faith. Accord- 
ingly I took the Westminster Confession of 
Faith, and compared it with the scriptures, 
and found it held many things which were 
not in the Bible ; but repugnant thereunto ; 
I then got the baptist confession of faith, and 
compared their #rticles in like manner, and 
found them as unscriptural and repugnant tq 
truth as the former. I found the Bible held 
out free grace to all, and for all, and that 
Christ tasted death for every man, and offered 
gospel salvation to all: Therefore, I could 
not bear those contracted partial doctrines of 
unconditional election and reprobation.^ Sol 
threw them both aside, and went on with the 
Bible, from Genesis to the Revelation, until 
I had read it through ; by which time, I was 
well armed with arguments against the pre- 
destinarians. Soon after this, I had a dispute 
with a calvinestic minister, at his own house, 
upon election and reprobation. He told me 
that such a definite number of angels and men, 
bad been elected to life from all eternity : and 
the others, by an unalterable decree, had been 
reprobated to damnation. I then told him. 



27 



! lie was a fool to preach, if he believed that 
! doctrine, the people were fools to hear him, 
j much more to pay him for preaching such 
| doctrine, and that he was no better than a pick- 
pocket, to take the people's money, when his 
preaching could be of no service to them, if 
every thing was pre-ordained, determined and 
fixed by an eternal unalterable decree. At 
this, he was much offended, and left me. 
As I w 7 as going home, I got upon a neigh- 
bour's fence, where I sat for some consider- 
able time, pondering in my mind what I had 
best do ; for I could not join either the pres- 
byterians or baptists, because their articles and 
doctrine were contrary to scripture, to my faith 
and experience, and as yet there was no society 
of methodists formed in our parts. While I 
was thus meditating, the Lord, by his Spirit, 
in power spoke in my mind to the following 
effect : " / have shown you the way wherein 
you ought to walk ; but your ways are a grief 
to my Spirit" I then recollected, that at my 
Conversion, the Lord had shewed me that it 
was his will that I should join the methodist 
church, and that I had been putting it off for 
six months, trying to join either the" baptist or 
presbyterian church; such a shock of con- 
viction ran through my soul upon this re- 
flection, that on a sudden I cried aloud, several 
times, " I am a methodist! 1 am a methodist ! 
I then returned home, fully resolved to be a 
methodist ; although I well knew that perse- 
cution and reproach would be poured upon 



28 



me from every quarter. However, I was re* 
solved to obey God, come what would. Ac- 
cordingly I told my wife that I was a methodist. 
She asked, what was the matter now ; I told 
her that God would not let me be any thing 
else. 

A few days after, an elder of the presby- 
terian meeting came to talk with me, to whom 
I told my experience, and that I knew that 
God, for Christ's sake, had forgiven my sins- 
He replied, that he had been a member of 
the church twenty- five years, and never be- 
fore heard any one say that he knew his sins 
were forgiven ; and for any one to say that he 
knew bis sins were forgiven, he ought to be 
burnt ; for he made himself as perfect as an 
angel in heaven : Nay, said he, 1 would help 
to' burn such a man myself I told him, if 
he never had felt a conviction for sin, to 
make him cry to God to save him, a poor 
sinner, and had not felt the blood of Christ 
applied, to the washing away of his sins, his 
religion was still no better than the devil's. 
Tins shut him up, and he went away silent, 
and afterwards told his minister that he slept 
none that night. When he afterward related 
this to me, I told him that I wished that he had 
never slept any more, until he had found 
Christ. 

Some davs after* I went to Woods-1 own, 
about 12 miles from home, where i met with 
an old acquaintance who invited me to dine 
with him, I went, and when we were about 



29 



setting down to dinner, I proposed to ask a 
blessing; and as soon as I began, the two 
journeymen burst out a laughing: at which, 
I arose and began to exhort them all in a 
very rough manner, thundering out hell and 
damnation against the ungodly with tears in 
my eyes. This broke up dinner, and neither 
of us eat any thing. S, Smallwood, a young 
woman, being present, was much affected, 
and asked me home with her, accordingly 
I went, and when we got there, she related to 
her mother, Mrs. Sparks, all that had passed. 
The old lady and I soon fell into conversation. 
She was a pious Moravian. 1 was truly glad 
that I had found a witness for Jesus, she being 
the first person i had conversed with since 
my conversion, who testified the knowledge 
of sin forgiven. She knew that God, for 
Christ's sake, had freely forgiven her sins. 
We had a comfortable time in conversing to- 
gether on the things of God. She told me 
that I was the first person she had met with, 
V that place, who could testify that their 
sins were forgiven. I left her with strong 
impressions on my mind to preach the gospel, 
and on my way home, began to illustrate 
on the green- tree and the dry ; the dry times 
and the green times. 

I still continued to read and examine the 
Bible, being fully convinced, that a dispen- 
sation of the gospel was committed to me, 
from the very hour that I had fotnd peace 
With God. From that time, I exhorted all 

2 



30 



that I had any intercourse with. The scrip- 
tures were wonderfully opened unto me, and 
became my meditation by day and by night ; 
for often when a-sleep, texts were brought 
to my mind, the spirit divided them into 
heads, and I preached from them in my sleep. 
I frequently awoke, not knowing where to find 
the text I had been preaching from, and en- 
quired of my wife, if she knew ; and upon 
her replying, that she did not, I have lain 
a few minutes, and God has revealed to ine 
boih chapter and verse, which I desired her 
to remember, and in the morning found it 
as the Lord had revealed it to me. This so 
frequently occurred, that my wife used to say 

You are always preaching " However, it 
caused her to ponder these things in her heart. 
I saw that if ever 1 should win her to Christ, 
it must be by love, and a close walk with 
God : for, I observed that she watched me 
closely. She went many times to her minister, 
and he as often daubed her up with un- 
tempered mortar, and she would return a- # 
gain strong in her own opinion. But when 
she observed to him that there was an altera- 
tion in me, he replied, that expected to get to 
heaven by my works. When I told her that 
I should be a preacher, she replied " You 
14 look like a preacher, and do not understand 
* 4 one text in the Bible*" 

However, I continued to go on; and about 
ihis time, Philip Gatch, one of the Methodist 
preachers, preached about four miles from our 



house : my wife and I went to hear him. Ke 
gave us an alarming discourse, which reached 
the heart of my wife. She called him aside, 
after preaching, and said, " If what my hm- 
" band tells me, and what you preach be true, 
" / have no religion*" he came to me and* 
told me my wife was awakened, and that we 
must go with him to the place where he was 
to preach in the afternoon : we accordingly 
went. After he had done preaching, he asked 
me to go to prayer ; this was a great cross, 
as I had never pra\ ed in public, except in 
my family ; however, i felt it my duty to com* 
ply, and accordingly took up my cross, and 
the Lord wrought powerfully upon the people ; 
among the rest, my wife was so wrought upon 
that she cried aloud for mercy. So great was 
her conviction, that for three days| she eat, 
drank, or slept but little, She now saw she 
had only been a pharisee, and was in a lost 
condition. On the third day, in the after- 
noon, she went over to John Murphey's, a 
neighbour of ours, a sensible man and one 
well experienced in religion. After some con- 
versation with him, she returned home, ^nd 
upon her way, the Lord broke in upon her 
soul, and she came home rejoicing in God. 
During her absence, I went from home to 
vi^it a sick man, with whom I tarried all 
night. On my return next morning, she met 
me at the door with tears of joy ; we em- 
braced each other, and she cried out. " Now 
I know what you told me is true, for the 



Lord hath pardoned my sins." We had a 
blessed meeting, it was the happiest day we 
had ever seen together. « Now, said she, 
I am willing to be a methodist too : from 
that time we went on, hand and hand helping 
and building each other up in the Lord. These 
were like the beginning of days to us. ■ Uyr- 
children also began to yield obedience to the 
Lord, and in the course of about three months 
after mv wife's conversion, we had six children 
converted to God: two sons and tour daugh- 
ters, the youngest of whom was omy seven 

years old. • „ , : * 

Mv neighbours when sick, now began to 
send' for me to pray with and for them ; some 
of whom after they recovered, were ashamed, 
lest they should be laughed at, for sending 
for " old Abbott" to pray with them. 

Thc-e was one remarkable instance, which 
I shall here mention viz I dreamed that one 
f m y neighbours had a fire broke out, and 
1 worked at it until it became pure gold 
and I then told him that he was one of the 
richest men in the world. Soon after I dream, 
ed that a fire broke out and run through alt 
his plantation, and then died away, and the 
whok appeared to be a coal-mine. It rested 
on my mind, what these dreams could mean. 
In a few weeks this neighbour was taken sick 
and lay very ill with a pleurisy ; his life being 
despahed of, he requested them to send for 
me to pray with him. I got out of my bed 
SS went; when I got there, he told me that 



the Lord had warned him to send for me, 
and that all his sins had passed before him 
that night, and that he expected to die and 
go to "hell ; but that he now felt his anguish 
and guilt removed, and his mind filled with 
remarkable peace. I told him his soul was 
converted : he suddenly clasped his hands and 
sprang up in the bed praising God aloud, 
exhorting all in the place to repent and turn 
to God. His words wrought so powerfully 
on their hearts that a general weeping took 
place. That night his disorder broke, and 
he recovered and lived some years in the 
service of God . then died a happy man ; but 
his family, who were all struck with the power 
of God, the night of his conversion, lost their 
desires for salvation. Then I understood that 
the fire, which I had seen in my dream, was 
the heavenly fire which had caught in him 
and run through all his family ; the pure gold 
was that treasure he retained in his own soul ; 
the coal-mine, his family, who lost their de- 
sires and were dead and barren in religion. 

At another time, on a Saturday night, I 
dreamed that the next day there would be a 
disappointment, and that the expected preacher 
would not come, and that the Lord said to 
me, " Ifou must go and preach, for you must 
" speak for me." I awoke, and awaked my 
wife and told her my dream. She replied, 
" You are always dreaming about preaching, 
• 4 there is no doubt but what the preacher 
" will be there." I said very well, we will 



84 



go and see; accordingly we went, the people 
gathered, but no preacher came : one of the 
men said, we ought not to let the people g& 
away without singing and prayer; which I 
thought very right, and concluded within my- 
self to preach. A hymn was sung, and one 
went to prayer, but the cross was so greait 
that my heart failed, and I did not attempt 
to speak. The people being dismissed, I re- 
turned home sorely distressed, that I had beeti 
so fearful as to disobey the divine impression 
that had attended my mind. Thus I fell in- 
to great heaviness and deadness, and wandered 
about the fields ; at length I retired into the 
woods and covenanted with the Lord, that if 
he would reveal himself to me again, as he 
had done before, I would go and preach where- 
ever he would send me, even if it were to 
devils. That instant the Lord broke into my 
soul with power : 1 arose from my knees and 
preached to the very trees of the woods. I 
was resolved, through grace, the first oppor- 
tunity that offered, to preach to men. A few 
days after, a neighbour died, and I was re* 
quested to attend the funeral. As I rode to 
the place, these words, " Circumcise your 
" hearts, for to morrow the Lord -will do great 
" things among you" rested weightily on my 
mind. When I got to the place, I stood up 
and said, " The Lord has shewn us what 
" we shall all come to, in taking this our fellow 
" mortal from time to eternity," then went 
to prayer, and when I arose from my knees 2 



1 took my text and preached. The word had 
effect on many, and we had a weeping season. 
From that time I went 6n to preach, as oc 
casion served, from time to time, and the 
fruit which Jthe Lord gave me, was a satis- 
factory evidence that he had called me to the 
work of the ministry, and had committed 3 
dispensation of the gospel unto me. Some 
time after this, as i vyas on my way to hear 
one of the Methodist preachers, it was strongly 
impressed on mv mind that the preacher 
would not be there, and that 1 must preach 
from a certain text which then was given me. 
When I got to the place, I understood that 
the preacher \yas so unwell that he could not 
come. One of the principal members in that 
place asked me to pray with the people. After 
prayer 1 arose and took my text and began 
to preach, at which the people were surprised, 
it being very unexpected to them ; however 
it was a time of liberty and power. After 
meeting, a man asked me to preach at his 

. house the next sabbath, accordingly the ap- 
pointment was made, which 1 attended, and 
felt a great opening in divine things, and the 

„ people were much wrought on. Jt was in 
. a neighbourhood where there never had been 
any Methodist preaching before. The follow- 
ing extraordinary occurrence took place; 
while 1 was speaking with great zeal and ex* 
claiming against the various abominations of 
t^e people and pointing out their enormou§ 
sins, I cried out, "For aught 1 know, there 



feay be a murderer in this congregation!" 
immediately a lusty man attempted to go out, 
but when he got to the dcot he bawled out, 
and stretched out both his arms and run 
backward, as though some one had been be- 
fore him pressing on him to take his life, and 
he endeavouring to defend himself from the 
attack, until he got to the far side of the room, 
ard then fell backward against the wall and 
lodged on a chest, and cntd out very bitterly, 
and" s id, " He was the murderer, lor he had 
" killed a man about fifteen years before, and 
u that two men met him at the door with 
" pointed swords, and persued him across the 
" room to stab him ! " Thus he lay and cried 
with great anguish of soul. Thss surprised me 
so much that I stopped preaching: the people 
were greath alarmed, and looked on the man 
with the utmost astonishment. After a short 
pause, I went on again and finished my dis- 
course. The man, who was in this wonder- 
ful manner, wrought upon, recovered himself 
and went away, and I never have seen or 
heard of him since. 

The sabbath after, I preached in the school- 
house in my own neighbourhood ; it had been 
rumoured abroad that I was that day to preach 
to drunkards: People of all kinds came out, 
and wt had a large congregation. The Lord * 
attended his word with power, even to some 
who came only out ot an idle curiosity to hear, 
as they thought, some laughable nonsense.. 



m 

About this time we formed a class in our 
neighbourhood, and I was appointed to lead 
them. We were taken into the circuit, and 
had regular circuit preaching once in two 
weeks ; I continued to preach on sabbath days, 
and the circuit preachers on week days. 

The American war came on, and this in- 
creased our persecution : For hitherto we had 
been persecuted as inethedist christians, but 
in addition to this, we were now branded with 
toryism ; for the methodists were considered 
by their persecutors as tories ; and I am sorry 
to say that the improper conduct of some, 
both preachers and members, gave some 
grounds for the suspicion. However, to be 
called a methodist, was a certain imputation 
of toryism in the estimation of our enemies ; 
but for my part I never meddled in the politics 
of the day. My call was to preach salvation 
to sinners, to wage war against the works of 
the devil. / One day, major H. asked me if 
1 preached up for war : I told him no, 1 did 
not. He then asked me what I did preach : 
I told him that I preached repentance towards 
God, and faith in Jesus Christ, and that all 
who did not experience this, would be damned 
and go to hell. He appeared angry at this 
answer; but when I related to him my con- 
fiction and conversion, he was calm, and 
wished me well. I asked him to come and 
hear me, and then he would know my manner 
©f preaching. 

D 



38 



At a certain time I had an appointment to 
preach at D. G.'s in Deerfield, at which a mob 
collected, and threatened to tar and feather the 
preacher, if he came and attempted to preach. 
Mr. G. met me upon the road, and advised me 
to so back, for the mob had collected in order 
to tar and feather me. At first I thought I 
would return, consulting with fle^h and blood, 
I concluded it would be a disagreeable thing 
to have my cloaths spoiled, and my hair all 
matted together with tar, &c. But those words 
reviving m mv mind. The servant is not 
greater than his Lord. I immediately resolved 
to *o and preach, even if I were to die for it. 
When we arrived at the place, there was a 
larsje congregation assembled, so that the house 
could not contain them, and a number stood 
round about the door. I went in among them, 
and gave out a hymn, but no one sung ; 1 
then sang four lines myself, while every joint 
in my body trembled, and then said, let us 
pray ; but before prayer was over, the power 
of God fell on me in such a manner, that 
it instantly removed from me the fear of man, 
and some cried out. I arose, took my text 
and preached with great liberty, and before 
the meeting was over, I saw many tears drop 
from their eyes, and the head man of the mob 
said, that he had never heard such preaching 
since Mr. Williams went away : So I came 
off clear ; glory be to God, who stood by 
me in this trying hour, I then asked it 1 
should give out for preaching again, but the 



39 

answer was no. So I returned home happy 
in mv soul. Meeting with one of our preachers, 
1 told him how great things the Lord had done 
for poor me. He replied, it is nothing to what 
he will do for you, if you are faithful, for 
it is the will of God, even your sanctification ; 
whv said 1, 1 am happy in God already, but 
if there is such a blessing to be had, I am 
determined to have it, and from that time 
I began to seek for it. la examining, I found 
in the Bible that it was the will of God, even 
our sanctification. I soon hungered and thirst- 
ed for full salvation. In family prayer, one 
morning, the hand of the Lord came upon me* 
in such a manner, that I felt the impression, 
as though one had laid an hand upon me, 
attended with such power that 1 thought I* 
should die, but unbelief took place, and the 
power withdrew, or I believe that God would 
have sanctified me that moment. At night 
1 was afraid to pray for such power, for fear 
that God would kill me, therefore my prayer 
was only lip-language ; by this time I got very 
dead However, next night I prayed from my 
very heart, for the power again, live or die, 
and' God poured out his Spirit upon us alt 
in such a manner, that the place was glorious 
because of the presence of the Lord, and his 
d>ing love filled all our hearts. I was now 
engaged for the blessing more than ever ; soon 
after D. Ruff came upon the circuit, and my 
house being a preaching place, he came and 
preached, and in the morning, in family prayer, 



w 

he prayed that God would come and sanctify 
us soul and body. I repeated these words 
after him, " Come Lord and sanctify me soul 
and body ! " That moment, the Spirit of 
God came upon me in such a manner, that 
I fell flat to the floor, and lay as one strang- 
ling in blood, while my wife and children 
stood weeping over me. But I had not power 
to lift hand or foot, nor yet to speak one word ; 
I believe I lay half an hour, and felt the power 
of God, running through every part of my 
soul and body, like fire consuming the in- 
ward corruptions of fallen depraved nature. 
When I arose and walked out of the door, 
and stood pondering these things in my heart, 
it appeared to me that the whole creation was 
'praising God ; it also appeared as if I had 
got new eyes, for every thing appeared new, 
and I felt a love for all the creatures that God 
had made, and an uninterrupted peace filled 
my breast. In three days, God gave me a 
full assurance that he had sanctified me, 
soul and body. // a man love me he will 
keep my words : and my Father will love him, 
and we will come unto him and make our a- 
bode with him. John xiv 23. Which I 
found day by day, manifested to my soul, by 
the witness of his Spirit ; glory to God for what 
he then did and since has done for poor me. 

Some time after, I went to Salem, and A. 
H. came to me and said, I understand that 
you preach. I said yes. Then said he, will 
you come and preach at my house ; I said, 



41 



if you please, yon may give it out next sab- 
bath day. He did so, and accordingly I at- 
tended, and found a large congregation assem- 
bled, to whom I preached, and God attended 
the word with power ; some cried out, and 
many were in tears. After sermon, I made 
another appointment for that day two weeks,^ 
at eleven o'clock. There being an elder of 
the presbyterian church present, he asked me 
if I would come and preach at his house. I 
told him that I would, on that day two weeks, 
at three o'clock. Another said it was the 
truth I had spoken, but in a very rough man- 
ner ; at the time appointed I attended, and 
found many people at both places. At the 
first, I felt much freedom in speaking, and 
after strmon found that both the man and 
his wife were awakened. At the second, 
great power attended the word, several cried 
aloud, and one fell to the floor : After meet- 
ing, I asked the man of the house if he knew 
what he had done. He replied u What have 
14 1 dune? Said I, You have opened your 
door to the meihodists, and if a work of re- 
ligion break out, your people will turn you 
out of their synagogue; he replied, that he 
would die for the truth. I appointed to preach 
again at both places, that day two weeks. 
Next day, on my return home, I called at a 
baptist's house, whose daughter was very ill; 
after some conversation, I went to prayer, and 
while at prayer the Loid set her soul at liberty, 
and she praised God before us aU. Here I 



42 

fell in company with one of Whitefield's con- 
verts, who had known the Lord forty years ; 
we had great comfort in conversing together 
upon the things of God : He was an Israelite 
indeed. (About two years after, he came to 
see me, and told me that he had come to 
die at my house, accordingly he was taken 
sick, and' died there happy in God.) 

The sabbath day following, I preached in 
a place called Hell-Xeek, which name took 
its rise from the wickedness of the people. 
One sinner said, he had heard Abbott swear, 
and had seen him fight, and now he would 
go and hear him preach. The word reached 
his heart, and he soon after became a convert 
to the Lord. After meeting he invited me 
home with him, and several others invited me 
to preach at their houses, so that I ^ot preach- 
ing plaees all through the neighbourhood, and 
a "considerable revival of religion took place, 
although it had been so noted for wickedness. 
Among others, a young lad about fifteen, was 
awakened and in a few weeks found peace : 
His father being a great enemy to religion, 
opposed him violently and resolved ta prevent 
his being a methodist, and even whipt him 
for praving This soon threw him into great 
distress, and on the very borders of despair ; 
at length he was tempted to think he had 
sinned against the Holy Ghost, and thought 
he had cursed God : I heard of it and went 
to see him, he told me his temptations, and 
cried ©ut M There I I have now done it," and 



clapped his hand on his mouth. I told him 
he had not done it, and that he would not do 
it for the world. His mother began to cry, 
and his father soon came in, and I warned 
him against such conduct towards his son, 
but he told me, it was all delusion . Who 
told you so, said I, D. P. said he, and he 
is a presbyterian, and a good man. Tell D. 
P. that he is a deceived man, said L for this 
is the true work of God upon your son. The 
son then cried out The Lord is here ! the 
Lord is here , The father said to me u Ben- 
jamin, are you not a free mason ?" I told 
him no : I knew nothing of free masonry : 
but 1 knew that this was the opporation of 
the Spirit of God. The father then wept, 
I went to praver, and the family were all in 
tears ; after this the son went on joyfully ; 
After 1 left this house, I went to another of 
the neighbours, and after some conversation, 
with them, I went to prayer; the man kneeled, 
but the woman continued knitting all the 
time of prayer. When I arose 1 took her 
by the hand and said, Do you pray ? and look- 
ing steadfastly at her and added, " God pity 
you." This pierced her heart so, that she 
never rested, until her soul was converted to 
the Lord. The whole neighbourhood seemed 
alarmed. A quaker, who one day came to 
hear me, asked me home with him ; when 
I entered his house I said, God has brought 
salvation to this house. At prayer, in the 
evening, his daughter was struck under con- 



44 



viction, and soon after, the old man, his wife, 
three sons, and two daughters, were all brought 
to experience religion, so that we had a con- 
siderable society/ A baptist preacher, who 
lived about twenty miles distant, hearing what 
was going on in the neighbourhood, went 
theither and preached the necessity of water 
baptism, and was so successful as to get six 
of my sheep into the water who left us and 
followed him. Elaied wich this success, he 
followed me from place to place, but all in 
vain, for he was not able to turn another 
out of the way. 

But to return to my appointments. In Man- 
nington great congregations attended. The 
man and his wife were both awakened and 
under suong convictions, and many osiers 
were suredup to enquire the way to Zion. 
At the second place, the minister thereof at- 
tended, I felt at first, a great cross to preach 
be lore him, he being a learned man, and I 
supposed he had come to hear me with an 
evif design, as appeared afterwards to be the 
case. However, I prayed to the Lord not 
to let me be confounded. After 1 began, 
my cross was but light, and the minister who 
set before me was no more than another sinner. 
The power of God rested upon us and several 
cried out aloud, and two fell to the floor a- 
gonizing for salvation. I tarried all night, 
and the minister and five or six of the heads 
of the presbyterian meeting spent the evening 
with me, in order to dispute and pick me 



to pieces if possible. The minister asked me 5 
if I was a iVeslian. I answered yes. Then 
said he " you deny the perseverance of the 
saints."' God forbid, said I, for none can 
be saved unless they persevere to the end. 
Then said he, you believe the possibility of 
falling from grace ; I answered yes. He then, 
in a very abrupt manner, gave me the lie ; but 
when I told him that I could prove the doctrine 
by the word of God, he very passionately 
gave me the lie again, I quoted sundry 
scriptures, particularly that of Davids fall, 
and turned to Ezek. chap. in. ver. 20 and 21* 
and wished him to read and explain the pass- 
age ; but he would not touch the Bible. His 
elder said, it read as I said and be ought to 
explain it. He, in a passion, said he was 
brought up at a college and certainly knew ; 
but I was a fool, and he could cut such a 
fellows throat ; then turned to his elder and 
said, " If there was a dogs head on your 
41 shoulders I would cut it off. Do not you 
" know the articles of your own church ? I 
" will teach you better." I told him the 
curse of God was upon all such watchman 
as he was, who did not warn the people a- 
gainst sin ; that if they lived and died in sin 
they could not be saved, and by his doctrine 
souls might foil away and perish, but their 
blood would be found in his hktrts. He re- 
plied, I could cut such a fellows throat; it 
makes my blood boil to hear the perseverance 
of the saints denied. 1 then handed him the 



46 

Bible, and desired htm to clear it up ; but 
said he, " you are a fool, you know nothing 
" at all. I was brought up at college and 
fiC I will have you before your betters," He 
got so angry that he could say but little more,; 
I told him that if we were embassadors for 
Christ, we ought to go on hand and heart 
to attack the devil in all his strong holds. 
And then asked the man of the house if I 
should preach there again ; but the answer 
was no. So this place was shut against me 
through the influence of the minister. Bat 
glory to God, there were doors opened in 
Mannuigton, so that I was at no loss for 
places to preach at. 

I accordingly preached at William Harvey's 
where the people came out pretty generally* 
and the Lord wrought powerfully among 
them. And on mv return home, 1 went with 
one of my old companions who asked me if 
1 would preach at his house in Woods Town* 
1 told him 1 would, accordingly an appoint* 
mem was made, and we had a croudcd house, 
While 1 was speaking, a mob of soldiers 
came with their guns, and bayonets fixed, 
and one rushed in, while the rest surrounded 
the door, the people fled every wav, and he 
presented his gun and bayonet as though he 
would run me through : it passed close by 
my ear twice. If ever 1 preached the terrors 
of the law, 1 did it while he was threatening 
me in this manner, for 1 felt no fear of death, 
and soon found he could not withstand the 



.47 

orce of truth ; he gave way and retreated 
to the door. They endeavoured to send him 
back again, but in vain, for he refused to 
return. However 1 went on and finished my 
discourse, and then asked the man of the house 
if 1 should preach there again, he said no ? 
for they will pulldown my house. But Doctor 
Harris told me 1 might preach in his house. 
In two weeks 1 attended at the Doctor's and 
found about one hundred men under arms. 
When 1 began to preach, they grounded their 
arms, and heard me in a quiet orderly manner. 

About this time, the government was draft- 
ing the militia to go into the service of their 
country : Among others, the lot fell on me 
to go ; but as 1 had a call to preach, 1 could 
not think of going out to fight ; however, 1 
had to pay a sum of money sufficient to pro- 
cure another man, to go in my place, 

1 told my wife that we must move from 
that neighbourhood, for we should be ruined 
to stay among a set of people, who, from their 
enmity, were determined to do me all the in- 
jury they could. Accordingh 1 rented a place 
in Mannington, near Salem, where the people 
were more friendly and not so fuil of the spirit 
of war, Here I had many doors opened for 
me to preach, and a powerful work of religion 
took place, attended with several remarkable 
conversions, which 1 think worthy of notice. 
One was a woman, who after returning home 
from preaching, under great conviction, ap- 
plied herself to prayer; and while she was about 



48 



her housework, and as she walked across the 
floor, with her hv art litted to God in penitential 
supplication, the Lord applied these words to 
her, Go in peace and sin no more ; and at that 
instant she was broughc into liberty, and cried 
out, " 1 have got the Lord ! 1 have got the 
44 Lord V 9 Her children asked \\ hat was the 
matter. To whom she repeated the same 
words. Thty then told her some one was 
coming: She replied, " 1 do not care; for 1 
have got the Lord/ 5 The man came in, and 
she continued to praise thtr Lord in such a 
manner, that he was struck under deep con- 
viction. 

Another instance was a quaker woman, who 
went from preaching under strong conviction, 
and such anguish of mind, that she paid no 
attention to her family, nor even to her suck- 
ing child. Early in the morning 1 was sent 
for : VV hen 1 went she was setting w ith both 
hands clinched fast in the hair of her he^d, 
crying out, " Lord have mercv on me ! Save 
Lord or 1 perish ! 1 shall go to hell, &c." 
1 told her to pray in faith, to look to Jesus 
and lay hold of the promises, and God would 
have mercy on her; but she replied, 1 cannot 
pray. 1 said you do pray very well ; go on, 
1 then kneeled down and prayed : Three 
pious women who were present did likewise. 
One of the women said, she could not pray 
in English. 1 told her to pray in Dutch, 
for Gud understood that as wt 11 as English i 
The distressed woman appeared to be worse, 



49 



like one going distracted. 1 then sang the 
hymn composed for one possessed of an evil 
spirit. 

King of Kings, spread thy wings, 
Christ, our weakness cover, 
Till the &m^m is over, Sec. 

When these mst words were sung, I felt 
such faith, that I told them the Lord would 
deliver her; and said, Let us pray. I kneeled 
down, in a few minutes she clapped her hands 
together and cried, " My Lord, my God and 
my Father !" Her soul was immediately set 
at liberty, and she sprang up, rejoicing, prais- 
ing and giving glory to God. Her husband 
burst into a flood of tears and said, If my 
wife, who has been so good, had to undergo 
such distress, what will become of me ? I 
exhorted him to look to God, and he would 
find mercy. In about six weeks after, he was 
safely converted. One of the women present, 
who had been converted some time before, 
was now thrown into doubts, and said, she 
feared she never was converted, because she 
never was wrought upon in such an extra- 
ordinary manner. I told her } that was no proof, 
for I was not wrought on in that manner my- 
self ; yet I knew that I was converted. God 
works upon his people as he in his wisdom 
sees best ; that no one's distress could be a 
standard for another ; so that if our sins and 
guilt are removed, and the power of religion 
is fixed in the soul, it is enough. Is one 
K 



should doubt it because they were not brought 
in, as they see others. This was a trick of 
the devil to rob her of our confidence. How- 
ever she was doubtful for three days ; then 
the Lord blessed her with such light and 
confort, that every fear doubt was re- 
moved. ( . 

About the same time, a man in the neigh- 
bourhood, under great conviction came to 
see me; upon his way he was tempted to 
believe that the scripture which says, If thy 
tight hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it 
from thee, must be literally obeyed : He felt 
for his knife to try it, but had it not with 
him. He told me his distress, which both 
surprised and rejoiced me. He had lately 
been a bitter enemy to religion, and had used 
his wife ill on account of her being religious. 
After some conversation, I went to prayer with 
fiim, my wife and two or three of the children 
prayed also \ but he got no relief. As he was 
returning, on his way home, he was struck 
to the ground by the power of God, and never 
arose until his soul was get at liberty, 

Another instance, was a Roman catholic, 
whose wife was religious. One Sunday morn- 
ing he wanted her to go a visiting with him, 
instead of going to meeting, which she refused, 
j^eing determined to go to meeting. This 
threw him into a great passion ; however,, he set 
off alone upon his intended visit ; but before 
he had gone far, he concluded he would re- 
turn, and with malice and murder in his heart, 
determining that she should go with him, or he 



51 



Wduid kill her \ when she returned, she meet 
him, and spoke to him with such tenderness, 
that his rage calmed away. He concluded 
he would go with her to meeting ; they both 
came; and' under preaching, the word struck 
him with such power* that he cried aloud un- 
der guilt and condemnation; and before all 
the congregation, told what had passed in the 
morning, and wanted to know what he should 
do to be saved. I explained to him the way 
and plan of salvation ; and in a short time 
after, he found peace, and became a steady 
religious man. 

A young woman came to me one day after 
preaching, under great distress ; I asked her 
if she had not followed the devil's musicians, 
the fiddlers : She said she had danced many 
a time, and even all night. 1 told her then, 
to pray all night, until God had pardoned her. 
She said she would ; accordingly she returned 
home under great distress, and prayed the 
whole night: Next morning the Lord blessed 
her soul. 

Another young woman came to me, and 
asked what " she should do to be saved : I 
pointed her to the Lord and to the promises. 
This was sabbath day, she went home with 
us, and I told her to stay, for so long as she 
prayed, so long she would be welcome. Her 
distress increased until Tuesday morning. AH 
the preceeding night I heard her mourning 
and lamenting. At breakfast her distress was 
so great she could not eat, but retired into 



the woods to pray, where she continued untif 
she found the Lord, and returned rejoicing 
in Christ her Saviour. 

A School- master in the neighbourhood, who 
was a learned sensible man, but a very drunken 
and wicked one, got awakened, and so far 
•reformed, that he left off drinking to excess, 
and other vices for some time ; but at a cer- 
tain time he gave way to temptation, and was 
overcome by strong drink ; after he got sober, 
his mind was tormented with great horror, 
and he went to a neighbour's house to tarry 
all night, and in the night, after the family 
were all in bed, he could not sleep, but lay 
with tormenting reflections, which increased 
his fears, until at length he imagined that he 
saw two devils enter the room, in order to 
take him away. This frightened him out of 
bed, and he ran up into one corner of the 
room, and there screamed and fought, as 
though he was fighting and beating off the 
two devils, This alarmed the whole family, 
who rose in great confusion, and could not 
tell what to do. They sent over for me ; I 
went, and found him in a shocking condition ; 
I told him it was only the strength of imagina- 
tion ; that there were no devils there to take 
him away ; but he still declared they were 
in the room ; and what added to the awfulness 
of the scene, was, at this time, a very dark 
and dismal cloud arose in the skies, that gave 
awful sensations to all who beheld it : At 
length a most remarkable flash of lightening 




53 



Came blazing from the clouds, and the streams 
of lightening flashed into the house, and a 
tremendous clap of thunder, equal to any I 
ever heard, burst forth as if the place had 
been sinking : and the very house trembled. 
At that instant, 1 felt the power of the Lord, 
like lightening run through me. I instantly 
went to prayer, and they all fell upon their 
knees, and were much affected, and continued 
in supplication during the whole night, Soon 
alter this, all the grown part of the family- 
were brought into the liberty and knowledge 
of the truth, as it is in Jesus. 

I shall here mention a circumstance, which 
I hope will be a warning to parents who op- 
pose their children in religious sentiments. 
A young man, the only son of a professed 
quaker, got awakened by hearing the metho- 
dist preachers, and applied himself to prayer 
and reading the scriptures : he was likely to 
go on well in religion, until his father and 
mother, with great obstinacy and bigotry, vio- 
lently opposed his going among the metho- 
dists, as though methodism was the worst 
thing in the world: nothing would do but 
the son must be a quaker. At length by 
their violence and displeasure, he was kept 
from meeting, and from going amongst the 
methodist friends. It had a very different 
effect on the poor unfortunate young man ; 
for instead of becoming a religious quaker, 
he soon after, became the most profligate 
youth in that part. God took his father and 



34 



mother to eternity. This same young man, 
in a few years, ran through a large estate 
left him by his father, and Salem jail became 
his habitation. 

I do verily believe, that the violent op- 
position of his parents was the cause of his 
desparate courses, which brought him to 
povertv and shame. Oh! how cartful parents 
.and others, ought to be, not to use violence 
•e>r severity with, children in matters of reli- 
gion and" conscience : How dreadful, for 
those who profess religion themselves, to be 
guilty of it. It evidently arises from the same 
mistaken bigoted spirit that burnt the pro- 
testants under Queen Mary, of Britain, and 
hanged the quakers in New- England : whether 
it be among quakers, methodists, presby- 
terians, churchman, roman catholics, or any 
other denomination, it is contrary to the spirit 
of Christianity. It is one principal objection 
I have to the conduct of the people called 
nuakVrs, that they are so bigoted to their own 
notions, form and mode, that they wilt not 
allow their children to attend, even the most 
plain and religious preaching in the world, 
provided it is not among themselves. 1 have 
known instances, of dieir young people being 
aw k' ned under our preachers, and they have 
been restrained by their parents, and the heads 
of their meeting, to their great injury ; and 
sometimes, I fear, to their eternal rum. So 
sacred do they hold their right m njember- 
ship, although mo&tly obtained by birth, that, 



55 

generally speaking; they appear better content- 
ed that' their children should remain irre- 
ligious, within the pale of their own church 
than that they should become really religious 
among any other people, But to me it ap- 
pears '^strange, that a people, whose prede- 
cessors were so tenacious ior. liberty of con- 
science, should fall into the same error that 
they so loudly condemned in others; as if 
it were a greater crime in a churchman or a 
presbvterian to restrain a child from going 
. to a quaker meeting, than for a quaker to re- 
strain one from going to a ■ methodist or other 
religious meeting.- They cry out in the same 
language against others, that others did against 
them;' so' that they are become too much 
initiated into the same spirit of bigotry, which 
they have carried to so great a pitch, that 
they will not allow a minister of Christ, if 
he 'had as much grace as the apostle Paul, 
to preach in one of their meeting-houses, un- 
less a member of their own church. But for 
my part, I do not believe, that religion con- 
sists in, either form or mode. Neither do 
I believe, a record of our names, on any church 
book under heaven, will stand the test in the 
awful hour of account's unless' they are re- 
corded in the Lambs book of life. For my 
part, I love real heart religion let me find 
it where I may. 

The second year that I lived in the Town- 
ship of Mannington, about the last of Decem- 
ber, I lost my Son Benjamin. He was in 




56 



the fourteenth year of his age, and had bee& 
experienced in religion from the age of 
seven. When death was upon him, I said, 
Benny, Do you know you are dying? He 
asked me if I thought he was. 1 said yes, 
in a little time you will stand before the eter- 
nal God. He instantly prayed as though he 
had been in perfect health: while he was at 
prayer every person in the room wept, and 
some cried quite loud. He then with i loud 
and strong voice, exhorted the neighbours 
who were present^ to prepare to stand before 
God, and turning to his brothers and sisters, 
he exhorted them to prepare to meet him at 
the right hand of God. 1 then called my 
wife id come and see her son die. She came, 
and asked him if he had no doubt. He an* 
swered with great fervour, No ! mamma, I 
know that my Redeemer liveth. He then 
looked at me and said, ,l Daddy, I shall meet 
you again in paradise," He then pointed with 
his finger and said, 44 Who are them two 
men standing in white raiment ? I long to 
get to them. lam going, 5 ' said he, and that 
moment he died, and fcll a- sleep in the arms 
of Jesus without a sigh, groan or struggle. 
On this occasion God gave me resignation ; 
though as a father, I felt the loss of my son, 
yet 1 rejoiced that God had taken him to 
reign with Jesus in a better world- I ex- 
horted those who were present, not to cry, 
for God had answered my prayer, in giving 
him a happy end, that his soul might be cou- 



ducted by angels to paradise. I believe, when 
he pointed with his finger and asked, who 
they were standing in white, that he then 
saw the angels ready to accompany him to 
heaven, 

On a Saturday night, I dreamed that a man 
came to meeting, and staid in class, and spake 
as I never had heard any one before. Next 
day, James Sterling came to meeting, stayed 
in class and spake much as I had heard and 
seen in my dream. After meeting, I said to 
my wife, That was the very man I had seen 
in my dream, and the Lord would add him 
to his church ; soon after, he was thoroughly 
awakened and converted to God. He yet 
stands fast amongst us, an useful and dis- 
tinguished member, welf known by many of 
our preachers and members. Various and 
many are the particular instances of God's 
great goodness and power; but to mention 
them all, would swell this work too large. 

The work became pretty general ; we used 
to hold prayer meetings two or three -times 
a week, in the evening, and often they have 
continued until twelve or one o'clock in the 
morning ; sometimes we would begin preach- 
ing at eleven o'clock, and meeting not break 
up till night ; many long summer days we 
thus spent. Sometimes we used to assemble 
in the woods, and under the trees ; there not 
being room in the house for the people that 
attended. Often, some of them would be 
struck to the ground in bitter lamentations^ 



58 



The Lord wrought great wonders among Mii 
It was truly a fulfilment of that scripture which 
savs, 1 work a work in your days, d work 
which you shall in no wise believe, though a 
man declare it unto you, Acts 13. 41. Some 
very pious men though strange of it, and some 
preachers when they visited us could hardly 
bear it. They thought we carried matters too 
far; one ot them » who was a great man of 
God, when he came one evening, we had one 
of those extraordinary times. At first, he op- 
posed it very pointedly ; but afterwards, dear 
man^ he was greatly troubled about it, and 
expressed great sorrow that be had opposed it. 
I give it "as my opinion, that we ought al- 
ways to be very careful and cautious, how 
we oppose those powerful meetings, lest, there- 
by, we grieve the Spirit of God, and injure 
souls, and thus be found fighting against God, 
The alarm spread far and near : The friends 
sent tor me to come to New- Mills, about sixty 
miles distant; 1 got ready, and went a day's 
journey to a small village, and preached at 
night. In the morning my horse was gone ; 
we hunted for him, but all in vain. I wrote 
some advertisements, and returned home. 
They sent for me again, accordingly I went, 
and the first time I preached, God worked 
powerfully ; we had a weeping time, and one 
fell to the floor, (this alarmed the people, for 
they had never seen the like before :) When 
meeting was over, we took him to a friend's 
house,' and prayer was made for him till the 



Lord set his soul at liberty, and he rejoiced 
in the love of God. Word being senv to his 
sister, that he bad found the Lord, she said ? 
" If my brother has found the Lord, I will 
f* never rest until I find him." She locked 
herself up in a room, and there prayed all 
night. In the morning the Lord broke in 
on her soul, with such rapture pf joy, that 
she al rmed the town, and many came to see 
what was the matter. She told them that she 
had found the Lord. 

Next day, I preached, and the Lord poured 
out his Spirit among us, so that there was 
weeping in abundance, and one fell to the floor i 
pvany prayers being made for him, he found 
peace before he arose. He is a living wit? 
jkss to this day. I saw him not long since 3 
and we had a precious time together. 

Next day, I travelled some miles, and 
preached in a presbyterian meeting house. 
1 had a large congregation, and spoke from 
these words Ye must be born again. God at- 
tended the word with power, some wept, some 
groaned, and others cried aloud I believe 
there were about twenty Indians present, and 
when I came out of the pulpit, they got all 
round me, asking, what tbey should do to 
be saved, and tears ran in abundance : Many 
of the white people also wept. This was a 
day of God ? s power ; from the accounts after- 
wards given me, twelve were converted and 
znany awakened. One, who was a deacon m 
the churchy found the Lord and joined ouir 



60 



society ; I have spent many precious momenta 
with him since that day. Here 1 told" my 
experience, and it proved a blessing to many 
souls. One young man who went by the 
name of swearing Jack, on account of his 
profanencss in conversation, said, "Such a 
" man has been as bad as myself, and if he 
" has found peace to his soul, why not I V 
Fiorn that very hour he began to amend his 
life, and sorin found the Lord precious- to his 
soul, and juiced class. At "quarterly meeting 
I heard him speak his experience, and the 
goodness of God to his soul, and the first 
words he spoke, were, Here stands swtaring 
Jack ! but God has " pardoned all my sins ;" 
which made a deep impression on the minds 
.of the ptople, and we had a precious melting 
time. 

Next day, I preached at a place called 
Turnip-Hilf, and we had a precious season. 
On my way to my next appointment, I came 
to a small village, and stopped at a house, 
and asked the man if they had any preaching 
there : He said, No. I said, I am a preacher, 
and if you will give notice, I will preach to 
the people ; but he replied, They do not want 
preaching here, and appeared angry. I then 
told my experience to the man, his wile and 
two \oung women; and the dreadful state 
that man was in by nature : and then pointed 
out a Saviour. One of the young women 
began to weep ; I was *'ery happy, and asked 
the man if 1 might pray ; he gave me leave, 



61 



and I said, Let us pray. I had no sooner 
began than they wept aloud ; after prayer he 
asked me if I would take dinner, and have 
my horse fed ; I thanked him and told him 
that I had no occasion of any ; but if he 
would feed my horse, I would thank him : 
He did so, and 1 left them all in tears. I saw 
one of the young women some time after- 
wards, and she told me that she was awakened 
at that time, and had since found the Lord 
precious to her soul, and joined class. This 
shows us that we ought to Sow our seed in 
the morning, and in the evening withhold not 
our hand, for we know not which will prosper^ 
this or that, or both alike. 1 went on to my 
appointment ; here the devil was very angry ; 
I gave out to preach on my return, and they 
threatened* if I came again, to tar and feather 
me. 

I went to Trenton, and our meeting-house 
being turned into a stable, by the army, they 
gave me leave to preach in the presbyterian 
meeting-house. There was a large congrega- 
tion of dead professors. Next morning on 
my way to the next appointment, I stopped 
at an uncle's, that I had not seen for seven- 
teen years. As soon as I saw the house, I 
felt that the Spirit of the Lord would come 
upon me there ; and as I set my foot on the 
steps of the door, the Spirit of God came on 
me. After asking them how they all did, 
I told them my experience. My uncle and 
aujit wept sore ? and I cried out, The Lord 



6£ 

is here ! a friend being present, said, He is 
come, for I feel his Spirit upon me: which 
caused my aunt to wonder what this meant. 
The friend asked me if I would go : 1 said 5 
If uncle Joseph will go with me, I will stay 
until evening. He said he would, so I stayed 
till evening, and they went with me ; I preach- 
ed and we had a melting time. 

Next day, I went to brother S F's and 
preached in the evening, to a crouded con- 
gregation, and God poured out his Spirit in 
such a manner that one fell to the floor. A 
captain and some soldiers came to take me 
up, but the Spirit of God took him up in such 
a manner, that he returned home crying to 
God for mercy. For six weeks his distress 
was so great, "that they had to watch him for 
fear he would make away with himself ; but 
the Lord sent the Conforter to his soul, and 
filled him with joy unspeakable. I saw him 
some time after, happy in God. We spent 
a precious time together, and parted in love* 
This meeting was a time of God's power, 
many were awakened to a sense of their 
danger, and the people of God were happy, 
and for my part I was very happv. 

I went to my next appointment, and preach- 
ed with power ; we had a melting time. One 
young woman being powerfully awakened, 
cried out, 45 I see Mose^ find Elias !" repeat, 
jng it many times over. I said, See Jesus ! 
she replied, He is coming ! and clasping her 
arms to her body, cried several times, I havp 




63 



got him! I have got him! and sprang up, 
shouting praises to God for her soul's de- 
liverance. I said, If you have got him, be 
sure to keep him close to your heart, I will, 
said she. There was also present, a quaker 
woman, the wife of a quaker preacher's son, 
who resided in Pennsylvania ; she had dreamed 
the night before, that she saw two doves, the 
one milk white, and the other speckled, and 
that she must go to the place, and they would 
lead her to a spring as clear as crystal, and 
there she should drink her fill. Next morning, 
on the strength of her dream, she took her 
horse and chaise, and crossed the Delaware 
river, and came to the house, just as I was 
going to preach in the evening. The Lord 
sent the word to her heart, with such power, 
that she cried out " i shall be dead and damn- 
" ed before morning !" Many prayers were 
sent up to God on her behalf. This meeting 
continued till eleven o'clock : We then re- 
tired to bed, and in the dead of the night, 
she, and the woman of the house, came into 
the room where we lay, ringing her hands, 
crying, 1 shall be dead and damned before 
morning ! desiring that we would get up and 
pray for her, we arose, and she related her 
dream. The woman of the house replied, 
these are the two doves. It struck me like 
a clap of thunder, I am the speckled one. 
This caused me to search my heart. I ex- 
horted her to pray for herself ; she did so, 
again and again, and we did the same for 



64 



her; I then exhorted her to believe on the 
Lord Jesus ; but she still received no answer 
of peace to her soul. We retired to bed 
again ; but she walked the floor the remainder 
of the night. I think I never saw a poor soul 
in deeper distress. In the morning, after 
prayer, I took my farewell of the family : to 
her, I said, I never expect to see thee any 
more, until I see thee in a world of spirits ; 
but she replied, Thou wilt see me again, and 
asked me when I would be at borne. I told 
her, and exhorted her to be engaged with 
God, and he would bless her soul. The 
woman of the house told me, that she in- 
tended to come to my house, as soon as I 
got home. But in two or three days she found 
God precious to her soul. I saw her again,, 
about sixteen years after, and we had a pre- 
cious time, in conversing together on the 
things of God, she could then talk Canaan's 
language. 

Sabbath day, T preached in the morning, 
at the preaching house, to a number of people ; 
after meeting, my nephew asked me to dine 
with him, with about one dozen more. When 
we set down, i asked God for a blessing, 
and he poured out his Spirit in such a manner 
that the tears flowed in abundance. I ex- 
horted them all to fly to Jesus. My soul 
was so happy that I could not eat. They 
then said to me Why do you not eat ? I 
answered, God had given me meat to eat that 
you know not of. Upon this> we had a shower 



65 



of tears and dinner was laid by. I said Let 
us pray, and we all kneeled down at the table 
and 1 prayed: one cried out for mercy. When 
I arose I gave them an exhortation ; and then 
went on to my other appointment, and preach- 
ed in a presbyterian meeting-house to a hard 
hearted people. b 

Monday, I went to see some relations that 
I had not seen for many years* When I came 
to the ferry and paid rny passage, I meet my 
uncle and aunt, whom I shook hands with, 
and she said Benjamin, I have had no rest since 
I saw your face, but am like Noah's dove out 
of the ark- We all went together to another 
of my aunt 5 s ; whom I informed, that if she 
would give notice to her neighbours, I would 
preach to them. Accordingly she sent her 
boys round the neighbourhood, and we had 
a large congregation ; after preaching, several 
of my relations tarried, to whom I related 
the works of God which I had seen in many 
places, and also my conviction and conver- 
sion, and asked them if they had ever found 
such a change in their hearts. They said, 
No. We had a weeping time all the evening ; 
my aunt that was awakened often withdrew 
from us ; and they said to her, What is the 
matter, are you sick ? I desired them to let 
her alone ; about twelve o'clock we went to 
bed, but sleep departed from me, and I prayed 
for her all night : and in the morning when 
I arose, my uncle and aunt were not up, but 
when they came out of their room I saw 



66 

an alteration in her face, and wanted to get 
at her heart, and therefore said, The darkest 
time in the night was just before day : they 
replied Yes. Just so, said I, it is with the 
soul ; the devil seems rady to take it away 
just before its conversion. This, said she, 
was the case with me ; I prayed in an agony 
all night, expecting to be in hell before morn- 
ings and sweated to that degree that I believe 
I had not a dry thread on me. I besought 
the Lord that if he would not hear me, that 
he would hear your prayers for me, I saw 
your prayers before the Father and Son in 
my behalf, and in a moment I felt my burden 
removed, and such joy in my heart, that I 
was as one illuminated with the love of God 
in my soul ; I clasped my husband in my 
arms for joy, and told him what great things 
God had done for my soul ; and I now feel 
the same power. They all wept, and I said 
This is the religion of Jesus. I took my leave 
of them, and went to see an aunt that was 
a quaker : after some conversation, I told her 
my experience and asked if I should go to 
prayer ; she answered, Thee may : I did so* 
and we had a melting time y even the little 
children wept. I left them all in tears, and 
Vf ent with my uncle and auat to the ferry ; 
and told them to go, on Thursday, and join 
class, and so we parted. I went to Trenton 
and told brother Cott's what the Lord had 
done, and advised him to go and meet the 
class, he did so, my uncle and aunt were 



67 



there. After class, she desired the Lord to 
show her what to do ; and as they were rid- 
ing home, the night being very dark, a glorious 
light shone all round the waggon, so that she 
said, she could see to pick up a pin. She 
then asked them, if they saw the light ; they 
said they did see it. Now, said she, I will 
join the class; and so she did, and became 
a worthy member, and remains so to this day. 

I went to my next appointment, where they 
had threatened to tar and feather me. Some 
adv ised me to go some other way ; but when 
I arrived at the place, I found a large con- 
gregation assembled, to whom I preached, and 
God attended the word with power; many 
shed tears in abundance. One young woman 
stood by the fire and leaned her head against 
the mantle-piece, and wept to that degree that 
the tears dropped on the hearth until they 
made a small puddle. When I came to my 
application, I told them that I came to seek 
a bride for my master, and added, If you will 
deal kindly with him, tell me. Upon which the 
young woman pressed through the croud, 
to me, and said, I will go with all my heart. 
I applied all the promises that I was able, and 
told her that he would receive her. As I 
was about to depart, two young men came 
to me ; one took hold of my leg, and the other 
held my horse by the neck, and said, u Will 
you go ?" I set on my horse for some time 
exhorting them to persevere, and the Lord 
would bless them ; many more stood weep- 



88 

ing ; so we parted, and I went to the New. 
Mills. Here the people came out by hundreds, 
to whom I preached my farewell sermon. I 
returned home, and by Thursday night a letter 
was sent, informing me sixteen were justified 
and two sanctified. The reading of this letter 
filled my soul with love, and i was determined 
to preach sanctification more than ever. 

I received a letter from a presbyterian in 
Deerfield that his house and heart were open 
to receive me, that they had sinners in Deer- 
field, adding " When you read these "lines look 
*• upon ir as a call from God." I accordingly 
wrote to him to make an appointment for 
me on the Sunday following. I attended, and 
found a large congregation, to whom 1 preach- 
ed, and some few wept. 1 attended again 
that day two weeks, and we had a melting 
time. 1 then made an appointment for the 
travelling preacher. This, and several other 
places in the neighbourhood, were taken into 
the circuit. The Lord began to work in a 
powerful manner, and we soon had two classes ; 
then the devil roared horribly ; but God worked 
powerfully : many of the.presbytenans joined 
society, some of whom were had up before 
the presby terian church, but all to no purpose ; 
they stood fast, and the Lord blessed the word, 
and sent it with power to many hearts. Many 
fell under the mighty power of God, like dead 
men, being alarmed of their danger. We ap- 
pointed a watch-night, this brought so many 
to see what it meant that the house eould not 



69 



contain the people. One of our preachers, 
preached, and then an exhortation was given ; 
the Lord poured out his Spirit in such a 
manner, that the slain lay all over the house ; 
many others were prevented from falling, by 
the croud which stood so close that they sup- 
ported one another. We continued till about 
twelve o'clock, and some stayed all night, and 
in the morning others came; several found 
peace, and many cried to God for mercy : 
it was a powerful time to many souls. Here 
my antagonist, the baptist preacher, who after- 
ward turned universalist, and then deist, came 
again, and preached the necessity of water 
baptism. He stole away nine of our sheep, 
and run them into a mill-pond. This made 
a division among the people ; however the 
work of the Lord went on, and those that 
joined him, in less than two years, were all 
falien from grace, except two; but said he, 
*' Once in grace, always in grace, and God 
" could as soon fall as one of you." How- 
ever he soon showed his cloven foot, by turn- 
ing his back on the church, and cause of 
God ; and preached up the doctrine, the devil 
did to Eve, Thou shalt not surely die ; that 
there was no hell, or place of future punish- 
ment. His conduct corresponded with his 
doctrine and they were left without a teacher. 

The next meeting we had here, one was 
sanctified and two justified ; at another, we 
had the shout of a king in the camp of Israel, 



70 



I went to quarterly meeting at Morris-ri^ef, 
and we had a powerful time; the slain lay- 
all through the house, and round it, and in 
the woods, crying to God for mercy; and 
others praising God for the deliverance of their 
souls, At this time there came up the river 
a look-out-boat ; the crew landed and came 
to the meeting ; one of them stood by a woman 
that lay on the ground crying to God for 
mercy, and said to her, " Why do you not 
cry louder;" she immediately began to pray 
for him, and the power of the Lord struck 
him to the ground, and he lay and cried for 
mercy louder than the woman. This meet- 
ing continued from 11 o'clock, till night. How 
many were converted or sanctified is to me 
unknown. Next day 1 preached at brother 
GofF's and had a precious time. 

1 went to my next appointment, and preach- 
ed from these words: 'Who hath believed our 
report and to whom is the arm of the Lord 
revealed? One woman said, that God had 
converted her soul. The Lord attended the 
word with power, many were melted into 
tears ; one drunken man made some noise, 
but a magistrate ordered him to behave him- 
self, and we had a peaceable waiting before 
the Lord. 

At my next appointment, the Lord made 
bare his arm of almighty power, in puch a 
manner that many fell to the floor ; their cries 
were very great, the sinners sprang to the 
doors and vvindows and fell one over another 



71 



%n getting out ; five jumped out at a window ; 
$nd one woman went close by me and cried 
out, " You are a dcvii !" A y oung man cried 
out " Command the peace !" But the magis- 
trate answered " It is the power of God.' 5 
Another, with tears in his eyes, entreated the 
the people to hold their peace ; to which an 
old woman replied, They cannot hold their 
peace, unless you cut out their tongues. Glory 
to God, this day will never be forgotten, either 
in time or eternity ! I was as happy as 1 
could contain, 

Brother Greafy told me that we should have 
pobody out next day ; but 1 replied that we 
should have the more ; and so it was, for we 
had a crouded congregation, and some cried 
out under the word. Here 1 was warmly 
attacked by a baptist ; but glory to God, the 
scriptures were opened to my mind, and he 
could not withstand the power of truth. 

Next day 1 preached at Mr- Wolsey's and 
had a melting time, and many were much 
wrought upon. 1 told the people that they 
had often heard preaching from the word of 
the Lord ; but tp-morrow, tell your neigh* 
hours, I will preach from the words of 'he 
devil. That night sleep departed from me, 
and my mind was like a troubled sea. What 
can you raise from the words of the devil? 
was constantly uppermost in my mind, At 
length i concluded, 1 would take another text. 
B ut on a second reflection 1 found this would 
not answer, as 1 should be called a liar, and 



•72 



cause the truth to be evil spoken of. Thu$ 
1 spent the night in a very restless manner. 
In the morning, on my way to the place ap- 
pointed, 1 found the road crouded with 
people ; when 1 arrived at the place, 1 re- 
tired into the woods and besought the Lord 
to discover some way to me, that 1 might 
deliver his word, if consistent to his will, from 
the text 1 proposed. I then returned in heavi- 
ness to the house, where 1 found a great croud 
both within and without. 1 took my stand, 
gave out my Hymn, sung and prayed ; and, 
according to my promise, gave out my text — 
Again the devil taketh him up into an exceed- 
ing high mountain, and sheweth him all the 
kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, 
and saith, unto him, All these things will I 
give thee, if thou wilt Jail down and worship 
me. Matth. iv. 8, 9. Such a light broke in 
on my soul, on giving out the text, that 1 was 
enabled to preach with great liberty: many 
were cut to the heart, and wept all through 
the house. 

Next day 1 went to my appointment at N. 
C's, soon after 1 began, a house caught fire 
about thirty yards distance, and was burnt, 
which broke up our meeting. 

1 went to Mr, Smith's, on Tuckehoe river, 
and preached ; and the Lord attended the word 
with power. One fell to the floor : 1 then 
asked the people what they thought of it, and 
if they did not think it was of the devil, if 
k is, 'said h wl *ea she c^ies too, she will 



73 



curse and swear, but if it is of God, she will 
praise him ; therefore stand still and see the 
salvation of the Lord. The people stood a- 
rnazed, while she lay struggling on the floor 
for life. When she came too, she praised 
the Lord with a loud voice, and every power 
of her soul declaring, that God had sanctified 
her soul. I then met the society, and 1 im- 
pressed sanctification on them, God struck 
a woman to the floor, who had been fifteen 
years a professor of justification, and after some 
time she arose and declared that God had 
sanctified her soul, I exhorted all around her 
to claim the promise, and while she was speak- 
ing, God struck six or seven to the floor. I 
then opened the doors and windows, and de- 
sired the wicked to come and see the mighty 
power of God for themselves ; and added, If 
you will not believe this, you would not be- 
lieve, if God Almighty were to speak to you, 
as he did to Moses, in a flame of fire ; and 
before the meeting was over, six or seven 
professed sanctification of soul, among whom 
was the wife of J. Brick, enquire, who had 
been justified only eight days before. 

Next morning I went to esquire Champion's, 
and preached with great liberty. The meeting 
began at eleven o'clock in the morning, and 
lasted until about midnight : before it was 
over, seven found peace with God, and joined 
society. Here I was as happy in my own 
soul, as I could wish, either to live or die. 



G 



n 



Next day I preached at brother Hews^s 
a precious loving people ; and as soon as I had 
feneeled down, before 1 had uttered one sen- 
fence, they all cried out, Amen. After preach- 
ing, in class, I endeavoured to teach them 
the meaning and nature of the term amen. 

At my next appointment I preacher' with 
great liberty from these words. If we say 
that we have no sin, we deceive our stives and 
the truth is not in us ; if we confess out sins, 
he is faithful and just to Jorigve us our sins, 
and to cleanse us from all unrig hteousntss* 1 
John, I, 8, 9> and many wept much. A 
baptist being present, who had been a great 
enemy to religion ; when I had done, I asked 
him what he thought of what he had heard ; 
and whether it w'as not the truth, as it was 
Jn Jesus ; he replied, it was, and exhorted 
the people to believe it. 

Nest day I went to my appointment, at 
Wire town { but a woman being dead close 
at hand, I was requested to preach her funeral 
sermon. While ! was speaking, I observed 
to my hearers, that the darkest time in the 
night, was just before the dawning of the 
dav; and that this was the case with a soul 
groaning for redemption in Christ ; for just 
as they saw themselves on the very brink of 
eternal damnation, destitute of every power 
to extricate themselves, the sun of righteous- 
ness, the Lord of life and glory, broke in on 
their souls and set them at perfect liberty. 
Up rose a baptist woman and said 9 that shg 



bad conic twenty miles through the snow to 
hear me ; and then related her experience to 
the following purport : "I was standing on 
" the hearth with my husband and two 
" children, and thought the hearth opened 
" before me, and I saw hell from beneath 
" opened, and devils ready to receive me ; 
" I then started and ran into the room, and 
" threw myself on the floor, and cried migh- 
4t tily unto God, to have mercy on my soul ; 
" mean while my husband went after the 
" cattle, and I continued in prayer until the 
" house was filled with the glory of God* 
" brighter than the sun at noon- day. I then 
" arose, and sat on the foot of the bed* wish- 
" ing for my husband to return j after a while 
" he came ; I ran out to meet him, and clasped 
" him round the neck, and told him what 
" God had done for my soul. The power 
" of the Lord came upon me again, as it had 
" done in the house, and I cried out in such 
" a manner, that it frightened my husband 
" and the cattle, ..so 'that the cattle ran off again, 
44 and my husband went away also. I went 
"•to the house happy in God. And our 
" people, (meaning the baptists) say it is only 
" a delusion of the devil, for that God did 
" not come to people in such a manner, now 
" a-days." Then asked me what 1 thought 
of it : " For I feci," said she, " that same 



" power on me now." I told her it was 



the work of God, a change of heart ; and that 
if ever the Lord had converted my soul, he 



76 



had converted her's. She immediately laid 
hold of faith, and was instantly delivered from 
that anxiety and despair, that had attended 
her mind. She rode next day, with one of 
our friends, to a place called Goodluck, where 
I preached from these words, Awake thou that 
deepest, and arise from the dead, and Clirist 
shall give thee light. Eptv v ^ 14. with great 
liberty, and the power of God attended the 
word. 

Next day 1 rode with one of our friends, 
about twelve miles, through a north-east storm 
of hail, to esquire Akin's, on Tom's-river. 
When we arrived there, we were both wet 
and cold : After drying myself a little, I gave 
an exhortation to the few present, and tarried 
all night. 

In the morning I went to my appointment, 
had an attentive congregation, and the Lord 
attended the word with power. A French- 
man fell to the floor, and never arose until 
the Lord converted his soul. Here we had 
a happy time. 

Next day I went to my appointment, at 
the house of a baptist man ; here a dispute a- 
rose with the man concerning a piece published 
by one of our preachers on baptism, which 
gave him great unbrage : and he objected to 
my preaching in his house. I remained per- 
fectly composed and easy, whether I preached 
or not, Brother Sterling, who had met me 
here, reasoned the case with him, until he 
gave his consent. I then went to ray stand* 



7? 

gave out my hymn* sang and prayed, took 
my text, and began to preach, and the Lord's 
mighty power attended the word. The people 
wept all through the house, and the man of 
the house trembled like Belshazzar : After, 
1 had done, I asked if there was any person 
there that would open their house for preach- 
ing, A man present answered, that we might 
preach at his . house, which was just across 
the way ; accordingly I appointe d meeting that 
day fortnight. The' man of the house that 
had objected to my preaching in his ihouse, 
afterward desired that I would preach in it a- 
gain in the evening: 1 told him, tMt as the 
people were chiefly gone, it would answer but 
little purpose* to make another appointment ; 
but he said, that he would send and give 
information to his neighbours ; he did so, and 
I preached to them, and hope that all the seed 
will not fall to the ground. 

fiext morning, I went to my appointment 
Ht Mr. W's : 1 retired in secret; the power 
of the Lord came upon me in such a manner, 
that I lost the power of my body, and cried 
out in such a manner that I alarmed the people ; 
who had never seen the like before. When 
I recovered a little, I went and preached to 
them; and we had a precious time. Here I 
met with an old Israelite, we spent some pre- 
cious time together. The night before I came, 
he was in soul distress, and experienced a de- 
liverance. He and four of his family were 
happy in God. 



78 



I set out for quarterly meeting and on my 
way I stopped to get my horse shod ; and went 
to a house where I found an old woman spinn- 
ing, and asked her for a drink of water : she 
gave it me: I said to her, You have given 
me drink to refresh ijtiy body, I will strive 
to give you the water of life, by persuading 
you to make application to Jesus. After tell- 
ing her the terrors of the law, and the promises 
of the gospel, I asked leave to pray ; which 
she granted. Three years after, as I was oa 
my way to a quarterly meeting, I met about 
twenty persons who were on their way to the 
same meeting. As soon as they saw me, a 
woman from among them ran to me, and said 
to me, 44 How do you do my father?" I 
asked her how she came to know me ? she 
answered, 44 I will soon convince you; I have 
u cause to know you ? do you not remember,, 
* c asking me for a drink of water, and that 
M you set before me the plan of salvation, and 
u went to prayer with me. You had not beea 
^ gone half an hour, before I expected to be 
M in hell every moment ; I cried to God 

mightily without any intermission, until he 
u set my soul at liberty : therefore I call you 
u my spiritual father." At quarterly meet- 
ing, we opened our love feast with prayer, and 
the Lord made bare his arm ; some fell ta 
the floor, and others ran away. Such a time 
they never had before. I. W. exhorted the 
mourners very powerfully, being himself con- 
certed the night before. The old lady, his 



79 



mother, was very happy. When I was about 
to go, she put two dollars into my hand ; this 
was the first that I had ever received as a 
preacher ; hut he that was mindful of the young 
ravens ? was mindful of me I had alwa\ s travel- 
ed at my own charge before. When I receiv- 
ed this, I had but fifteen pence in my pocket, 
and was above two hundred miles from home, 
I went to an appointment in a baptist se? tie- 
men t and preached with great liberty ; two fell, 
and never ceased crying to God for mercy, until 
he set their souls at liberty ; many were much 
afflicted, and some deeply awakened. There 
was an old baptist, Mr. Bray, that asked me 
home with him, and as I went, he desired 
to stop at the house to go to prayer; here 
we found several persons deeply awakened 
who had been at meeting: after prayer, I gave 
them an exhortation, and then went on with 
my friend where, to my great surprise, I found 
about forty persons assembled. The old man 
being fond of poetry, he began with hymns 
and psalms, &c. I sat silent while he went 
on for some time ; when he had done, I be- 
gan to relate the wonderful work of God, 
that I had seen through the land; souls con- 
verted, souls sanctified, drunkards become 
sober men &c. One of the young men pre- 
sent said, " It beats all the preaching that 
u ever I heard of since I was born ; and if 
*• there is such a God as you speak of I am 
c< determined to find him before morning." I 
then exhorted him with all my power, applying 



80 



the promises, and told him if he sought, he 
should sorely find. He went home and re- 
tired to his barn, and there continued all night 
in prayer j sometimes on his knees and some- 
times" cn his face. Next morning about an 
hour by sun, the sun of righteousness broke 
in and spake peace to his souh Now, says 
he, "Are these the people that we used ta 
M ca \l deceivers, and false teachers ?■ O that 
" God would convert another soul that there' 
" might be two witnesses for Jesus to day ; 
" that out of the mouth of two witnesses e- 
" verv word might be established t" As he 
was on his way to meeting, he met with nine 
or ten others ; just as they turned the corner 
of the house to go in, a young man fell to 
the ground, and never ceased crying to God, 
until he spake peace to his souh They then 
came into the house, and the first one began 
to exhort the people, bathed in tears, telling 
them that they had called these people antU 
christians, but that he knew that they were 
the servants of the living God ; exhorting them 
to believe. Af er him arose the other, who 
bad just found peace at the door, and began 
to tell what God had done for his soul, ex- 
horting them likewise to believe, while tears 
flowed from many eyes. I then arose, gave 
out a hvmn, sang and prayed; but having 
taken such cold the over night, that instead 
of preaching 1 could only whisper to them* 
Next morning I went to my appointment* 
but my cold had so increased that I was un- 



81 



able to preach, ami only whispered them an 
exhortation. Next day I went to brother 
Fidler's, and preached in the evening; we 
had a precious time with the little society. 
A few days after, I rode to Trenton. I be- 
gan to preach, at candle light, to a large con- 
gregation, which caused the devil to roar 5 
while I was on my second, head, his children* 
in the street, cried Fire ! Fire ! This alarmed 
the people, and they ran off instantly through 
the town, in search of the fire, but found none. 
When the tumult was over, I was requested 
to return, and" to preach again; but I sent 
the people word, that I should preach no more 
that night. 

Next morning I set out for quarterly meet- 
ing at New-Mills.' After our meeting had been 
opened and several exhortations given, brother 
C. Cotts went to prayer, and several fell to 
the floor, and many were affected, and we had 
a powerful time. After meeting, brother J, S, 
and several others, went with me to I B's* 
where we tarried all night. Here we found 
a woman in distress of soul; after prayer, 
we retired to bed. In the morning brother 
S. went to prayer, and after him' myself s 
the distressed woman lay as in the agonies 
of death near one hour: when she arose, she 
went into her room to prayer, and soon after 
returned and professed faith in Christ. She 
and her husband went with us to brother 
H's, where about forty persons had assembled 
to waic for us in order to have prayer before 



ii 

We parted. As soon as t entered the house* 
a wouian entreated me to pray for her, and 
added, " I am going to hell, I have no God ! 
I exhorted her and all present, setting before 
them the curses of God's law against sin * 
and likewise 1 applied the promises of the 
gosprl to the penitent : then a young woman 
Came to me and said " Father Abbott, pray 
to God, to give me a clean heart." 1 replied, 
God shall give you one this moment ; how 
I came to use the word shall, I know not ; 
but she dropped at that instant into my arms 
as one dead. I then claimed the promises 
and cried to God, exhorting them all to look 
to God for clean hearts, and he would do 
great things for them ; at which, about twenty 
tnore fell to the floor. When the young woman 
came to, she declared that God had sanctified 
her soul. (I saw her many years after; and 
her life atid conversation adorned the gospel.} 
Prayer was kept up, without intermission, tor 
the space of three hours. Eight souls pro- 
fessed sanctification, and three Indian women 
justification in Christ Jesus. Of a truth, God 
is no respecter of persons ; hut in every na- 
tion he that fear eth God and worketh righteous- 
ness, shall be accepted of him. Ot this, we 
we had a manifest instance, while we beheld 
the mighty power of God, and the slain lying 
through the house like dead men. 

My next appointment, was that evening at 
early candle light, about forty miles distance, 
and it was eleven o'clock before we were 



ready to start. We stopped at Mores-town 
and refreshed ourselves, then pushed on to 
3. C's, on Mantua Creek; being rather late, 
they had begun to sing before we arrived. 
I preached unto the people, and we had a 
jneUing time. After meeting, in family wor- 
ship, two or three went to prayer, the mighty 
power of God struck a young woman to the 
floor, her screams and screeches were such 
that my pen is unable to describe She rolled 
from place to place, on the floor, like one 
of the damned in torment. Her mother ran 
to take her away ; when I saw it, I desired 
her father riot to suffer her to be removed t 
her mother, then retired to her room and left 
jus. Prayer was kept up all night, without 
intermission. She continued her cries until 
sun about one hour high, by which time the 
house was filled with the neighbours, and the 
Lord spake peace to her souL A young man 
came in, brother F took him by the hand 
and said, Brother C. had a daughter converted 
this morning, and she wants to speak with 
you ; he led him to her, she took him by the 
hand, and began to exhort him with tears: 
he began to tremble and scream in an awful 
manner ? and in about two or three days he 
found peace. There came in also an elderly 
man, and brother F. S. took him in like man- 
ner to her, and she began to warn and exhort 
him, while he trembled, and tears flowed in 
abundance. She then said, God had called 
frer to go from house to house and warn her 



34 



neighbours to flee from the wrath to come. 
Several of our friends tarried and went with 
her for three daj s ; but we returned home, 
from which I hud been absent about six weeks. 

Soon after, I removed to lower Penns-neck 
with my family, where 1 found a set of as 
hardened sinners as were out ot hell. I preach- 
ed again and again, and all to no purpose. 
Brother Pedicord and brother Metcalf came 
to mv house, and 1 told them that 1 w 7 as al- 
most discouraged. When they heard it, they 
were so distressed that they could not eat 
breakfast, but retired to their room, where 
they remained until about one or two o'clock. 
When they came down stairs, brother P. said> 
H Father Abbott, do not be discouraged ; these 
people will yet hunger and thirst after the 
word of God," and appeared cheerful. In 
the evening he preached to the neighbours $ 
and next day they went on their circuits. 

I went to B. Wetherby's, at Quinten's 
bridge, near Salem, where 1 frequently preach- 
ed ; here we soon raised a class, among whom 
were brother H. Ffirth, John M'Ciaskey, and 
others, who became useful and worthy mem- 
bers ol the church. 

One day, as 1 was preaching, I. Holladay, 
of lower Penns neck, stopped to hear, and the 
word reach his heart ; after sermon, he asked 
me if 1 would come and preach at his house ; 
1 asked him, if 1 should give it out for the 
circuit preacher : he said, Yes. 1 did so, and 
after bidding the family farewell, an officer of 



85 



the army being present, 1 took him by the 
hand, and said, " God out of Christ is a con- 
suming fire— Farewell" — and so we partetf. 
God pursued him from the very door, and 
gave him no rest : before twelve o'clock that 
night, he was out of bed on the floor at prayer. 
In about two months his soul was set at liberty, 
and he is a member of our church to the 
present period. 

The day appointed at Mr. Holladay's the 
travelling preacher came, and a great con- 
course attended, to whom he preached ; some 
seemed awakened, some disputed, and some 
*ver« in great consternation. When he con- 
cluded, he asked if he should give out preach, 
ing there again. Mr. H. replied, he might. 
At the time appointed, abundance of people 
attended, to whom brother Ivy preached with 
great power, being full of faith and the Holy- 
Ghost. Many of the people wept, and it was 
a good season ; by this time, there were many 
doors opened. One cried, preach at my house ; 
and another, preach at my house, &c. 

The next appointment was made at J. D.'s, 
for brother Dudley: became, and preached 
with power. Alter meeting, I told them, that 
that day week, I would declare to them, Even 
the mystery which hath been hid frmn ages, 
and from generations, but now is made manifest 
to his saints, to whom God would make known 
what is the riches of the glory of this mystery^ 
among the gentiles ; which is Christ in you 
the hope of glory } whom we preachy xvarninz* 



86 



every man and teaching evert/ man in all wisdom, 
that we may present every man perfect m 
Christ Jesus — Whereunto I also labour stnving 
according to his working, which worketh in m? 
mightily. Col. i. 26—29. The people con- 
eluded that I was going to prophesy, and 
would tell how the war would terminate ; this 
brought abundance together. I preached, and 
God attended the word with power. 1 had 
not spoken long, before a professing quakes- 
said, it was a mystery to him ; but before 
I concluded, himself, his wife, son, and daugh- 
ter, were all struck under conviction, and never 
rested until they all found rest to their souls 
and joined society. About six months af'er, 
the son died in a triumph of faith : the father 
was taken ill at the funeral, and never went out 
of his house again, until carried to his grave. 
He departed this life, praising God in a trans- 
port of joy. By this time, there was a general 
alarm spread through the neighbourhood. We 
had prayer-meetings two or three times a 
week, and at almost every meeting, some 
were either convinced or converted. One old 
woman, to whose soul the Lord had spoken 
peace, clapped her hands, and began to praise 
the creature, instead of the Creator— i stepped 
to her, and said, " I have done nothing for 
you, if there be any good, it is the Lord that 
has done it, and therefore praise God." " 0, 
said she, but you are a dear good creature 
for all ! " I turned away, and went among 
the people. At this meeting, we had the 



8$ 



shout and the power of Israel's God in the 
camp : prayer was kept up until near mid- 
night. 

Next morning a man came to my house, 
to know what he must do to be saved ; I ap- 
plied the promises of the gospel, and then 
went to prayer; and after me, my wife, and 
then my daughter Martha ; and while sup. 
piicating the throne of grace on his behalf, 
the Lord, in his infinite goqdness 5 spake peace 
to his soul; and we were ail made partakers 
of the blessing. He joined society, lived several 
years, and died clapping his hands and shout- 
ing, 44 Glory to God! I am going home! 53 
That moment his hands ceased clapping, he 
died, and never was perceived to breathe a~ 
gain. 

We had now about twenty-two or three 
in society ; but persecution soon arose, and 
the devil stirred up one J N. a professor of 
religion among the presbyterians, who at first 
appeared very friendly, and was active in 
bringing us into the neighbourhood ; but soon 
after, he became an instrument in the hand 
of the devil to oppo&e and lay waste the truth, 
and did much hurt to the cause of God ; and 
all under the cloke of religion. He went a- 
mong our young converts, and told them, that 
God had revealed it to him, that the spirit 
which they professed to receive at their con- 
vertions, was of the devil, and not the Spirit 
of Christ : but glory to God, it was not in the 
power of men or devils to extinguish the divine 



88 



flame; although they cast a cloud on many 
minds, and turned some out of the way. 

The height of my harvest being on our 
meeting, day, when meeting time came, I toid 
my reapers, that they must all go to meeting, 
and that I would pay them their wages as 
though they were at work. We all went, 
and God wrought powerfully ; several fell to 
the floor, and two found peace ; it was a great 
day to many. After meeting, we returned to 
our work again. 

I continued, for about two months,*to preach 
under the trees, as the house would not con- 
tain the people. We seldom had a meeting, 
during that period, but what some were either 
convinced, converted, or sanctified. 

I now thought it might be expedient to 
make an attempt towards building a meeting- 
house. A subscription was drawn for that 
purpose ; but not being able to obtain a suit- 
able piece of ground to build on, as those who 
had such, retused to sell, it fell through for 
nearly four years, and we continued our meet- 
ings as before. 

One day, while I was speaking the power 
of the Lord laid hold on a Quaker woman, 
and as she was about to escape, she fell on 
her hands and knees. Some of her friends 
helped her up, got her into a waggon, and 
carried her off. I was afterwards informed 
that it took them two weeks to kill her con- 
victions. The work of the Lord went on a- 
morrg the people, and I continued to impress 



89 



the necessity of sanctification upon believers. 
We had at that time, twelve children who 
were converted to God. One of our sisters 
got deeply convinced, that she must be holy 
in heart ; and one night, the Spirit of God 
came upon her, so that she arose out of her 
bed, went on her knees, and prayed to God 
to give her a clean heart, and to sanctify her 
nature ; her mother ran and caught her about 
the neck, and told her to go to bed, for there 
was no occasion for so much ado about re- 
ligion. She went to bed, but without the bless- 
ing; though her distress was so great, that 
she could not rest. Soon she was up on the 
floor again, crying earnestly to God ; her 
mother hauled her on the bed again ; she then 
arose again, and entreated her mother to let 
her jalone, and she then forbore. While she 
continued wrestling with God for the blessing, 
the power of the Lord came upon her, so that 
she lost the use of her bodily powers for some 
time. When she came to again, she knew 
that God had sanctified her soul 

L: is about fifteen years since she received 
this inestimable blessing ; and, from that time 
to this, her life and conduct has adorned the 
gospel. 

Next evening, at class-meeting, she came 
and rehearsed the matter, and told us that God 
had sanctified her soul : this gave a fresh spring 
to many. A few days after, one of our sisters 
was engaged with God for a clean heart ; she 
went five times on her knees to prayer, and 

2 



00 



then concluded that she wa& going to die. O t 
said she, that daddy Abbott was here to see 
me diet Then she went to prayer again-, 
but still grew w r orse. She went to the door 
to call some near neighbours; but could not 
titter one word ; she then shut the door, and 
went to prayer the seventh time ; and the 
power of the Lord came wonderfully upon 
her, and she fell to the floor as one dead. Whea 
she came to, she knew that God had sanctified 
her soul ; she then arose, and at that instant 
I came in at the door, and she cried out ? 
" Daddy Abbott, God has given me a clean 
heart! 5 ' At that moment, God sealed it so 
to my heart, that I cried out, and could not 
forbear ; we rejoiced together in a glorious 
hope of immortality. This alarmed several* 
and set them all on fire for sanctification. 

The next meeting-day, in time of preach- 
ing, we had a powerful time, and a number 
fell to the floor; one man attempted to rua 
efF, but God laid him down at the door. A 
woman made the same attempt, but the Spirit 
of the eternal God arrested her, and she fell 
back into the house, just as she was going 
©ut of the door. After preaching, we had a 
blessed time in class ; while claiming the pro- 
mises, several were soon down, both on the 
fight and left : some found peace, and others- 
professed sanctification. One very wicked 
woman was arrested by the mighty power of 
God, and scrabbled out at the door, and laid 
hold of a cheese-press to prevent herself frona 



91 



falling* After a while, she set off for home, 
and when about half way, she began to con- 
clude that it was only a fright, occasioned by 
seeing others so agitated ; and as she was pass- 
ing through a skirt of wood, she was again 
arrested by the Spirit of God, which con- 
vinced her of omnipotent power ; and tremb. 
ling, she went home and threw herself on the 
bed, and there lost the usual power of her 
body and limbs, and shook to that degree, 
that the b~d, on which she lay, trembled under 
her. The alarm ran through the neighbour- 
hood with as great surprize as if one had been 
murdered. 

In the evening I went to see her, where I 
found about forty of the neighbours assembled 
to see what was the matter. She then lay 
shaking as heretofore in a very strange man- 
ner. I then exhorted the people and told them 
that this was the wonderful work of God, and 
that if they would not believe it, they would 
not believe if God A i mighty was to stand by 
them as he stood by Moses in a Same of fire. 
The people looked as if they were under sen- 
tence of death, while an awful terror was 
stamped on every face She then broke out 
in exhortation, exhorting them all not to live 
as she had done. You see, said she, what 
sin has brought me to ; she spake near one 
hour, and many wept under her exhortation. 
Whenever an opportunity offered, I threw in 
a word for Jesus, She continued in this strange 
pasture Jtw^days and nights, and then the 



§2 



Lord gave her strength to get out of bed ; 
but as yet she had not found peace. In the 
evening of the third day, she came to my 
house to family duty, and the Lord set her 
soul at liberty, She returned home, rejoicing 
in God her Saviour, joined society, and con- 
tinued a faithful member about six months* 
Her case afterward was singular. A dispute 
between her husband and one of oar mem- 
bers, being , left to men, was decided aganist 
him, this gave her such unbrage that she 
came no more 10 meeting ; soon she returned 
to her old practices again, and became a two- 
fold worse child of hell than at the beginnings 
cursing 5 swearing, and blaspheming in a most 
horrid mannt r. 

In about eighteen months after, God sent 
the grim monster death, to arrest her. In 
her sickness she sent lor me. I went, and 
exhorted her to try to turn to God ; but she 
said, she could not see how God could have 
mercy on her, as she had sinned so grievously 
against such light and knowledge. There 
being several backsliders present, she exhorted 
them to turn to God before it was eternally 
too late. I endeavoure d to apply all the pro- 
mises for backsliders from Genesis to Re- 
velations, but without faith. I then called the 
people together, and went to prayer, but it 
seemed as if my mouth was stopped, and my 
prayers were without access. I arose from 
prayer and exhorted her to try to pray, but 
she* replied, I have no heart or power to pray ; 



93 



but said I, keep begging of God to give you a 
heart to pray ; for the spirit of prayer is the 
gift of God, and you have your senses, and 
who knows what God may do for you. So 
I bid her farewell, and went home. They 
sent for me again ; but I told the messenger 
that my temporal affairs were in such a situa- 
tion that I could not then go. In the after- 
noon, her son came for me again ; I told 
him I could not well go, Gh> do go ! (said 
he, and burst into a flood ol tears) for she 
frightens us so, that we are afraid to stay 
in the house. I told him to go by the house 
and ask my daughter Rebecca, (intending to 
go myself in the evening) he did so, and she 
went. She found a number of the neighbours 
gathered, expecting the woman was dying, 
When she went in, the sick woman was point- 
ing with her hand, saying to the by-standers, 
" Do not you see the devils there ready to 
" sciae iny soul and drag it to hell ?" Some 
of them said, There are no devils here, she 
is out of her senses ; but she replied, I have 
my senses as well as ever I had in my life, 
She then cried out, " I am in hell ! I am 
in hell ! I am in hell ! but said they, You are 
not in hell, vou are out of vour senses. She 
replied, " I am not out of my senses ; but 
" I feel as much of the torturing torments of 
" the damned as a mortal can feel in the 
" body ! " Her flesh rotted on her bones, 
and fell from one of her sides, so that her 
entrails might be seen> In this awful terrible 



94 

situation she left this stage of action. Alas t 
Alas i Wo to backsliders ! Surely if there be 
one place of greater punishment than another* 
among the torments of the damned* that will 
be their portion. That God may alarm their 
guilty fears, before iniquity prove there eternal 
ruin, and their souls are centered among 
devils and damned ghosts, is the desire of 
my soul ! 

I had often urged on the people the necessi- 
ty of building a meeting house, for the space 
of about tour years* in lower Pennsaieck* 
during which period we had frequently held 
our meeting under the trees* when the weather 
admitted. ; One day meeting with a carpenter, 
I agreed with him to build one, He came, 
at the time appointed 1 told him that we 
had f*ot no timber for the building, and there- 
fore 1 must go a begging. Accordingly we 
set out and went to a neighbour, and told 
him we were going to build a house for God, 
and a^ked him what he would give us to- 
wards it ; he answered, two sticks of timber 
For sills. We then went to the widow M'C's, 
a professing quaker, and she gave us two 
more, and sent her team to haul them to the 
place. We then went to Mr. Wm. Philpot, 
and he gave us sufficient for the house, though 
not even a professor with us ; may the Lord 
reward him accordingly. I then went among 
our friends, and told them that they must come 
and help to get the timber; they did so, and 
we began on Tuesday morning, and by Friday 



$3 



flight we had all the timber at the place. 
Brother Henry Ffirth, a steward of the circuit, 
and myself, were appointed managers to carry 
on the building. The Friday week following 
we raised our house, and in the after:: a 
preached on the foundation. In six weeks 
the carpenter had done his work 9 and I pegged 
the money and paid him. This proved a .ureal 
blessing to the neighbourhood, the greater 
part of which became methodized, and many 
were moralized and christianized, while the 
enemies of truth daily lost ground, and bigotry 
gra d u a I ly declined. 

I had been for some time pressed in spirit 
to visit Pennsylvania, and in the love and fear 
of God, I set out, with my life in my hand, 
it being at a time when the war was raging 
through our land. I crossed the Delaware 
at New- Castle, and that night, at early candle- 
light, preached ^t R. F's to a pack of ruf- 
fians, assembled in order to mob me, and one 
stood with a bottle of rum in his hand, swear- 
jng that he would throw it at my head ; but 
Mr. F. stood in the door and prevented him. 
If I ever preached the terrors of the law r , I 
flid it then— hoping some good seed might 
be sown in some hearts. 

I went next c}ay to J. S ? s, and preached 
in the evening to a small, but an attentive, 
congregation : here some souls appeared very 
happy. In time of mv last prayer, one woman 
fell to the floor, and cried migh Aiy to God 
for a clean heart, and ^fter some time, lay 



©6 



as one dead ; but when she came to, she said, 
God had given her a clean heart, and cried 
cut, u O that I could go to my Jesus! O 
that I could die ! " This was her language 
for near the space of three hours, without rising 
from the floor— I then told her she should 
not die, that God had something for her to 
do, and that she could not die when she would/ 
She then said, " O daddy Abbott ! how can 
I live ? J? repeating it over and over again* I 
went to bed and left her ; she continued all 
night in prayer. 

I went to J. H's — here I preached chiefly 
to baptists (there were two or three sheep here, 
but they were afraid to hold up their heads :) 
as soon as I had concluded, I was attacked 
by several of them. I told them that if God 
had fore-ordained such a certain number for 
salvation, and pre-ordained the remainder for 
damnation, it was in vain to pretend to per- 
suade me to renounce my principles, for let 
me do what I would, I was certainly as well 
off as they were, and laid before them the 
absurdity of such antiscriptural doctrines — and 
so we parted. 

£Jext day I preached at brother H's, to a 
large congregation : here God attended the 
word with power ; many poor sinners were 
cut to the heart, and some cried aloud for 
mercy. After preaching, a dear old woman 
came and said, "This is the gospel trump I 
I heard it sounded by Mr. Whitefield twenty, 
five years ago ; it is the same ; J know it." I 



97 



spent a precious evening with the old lady 
and her husband, conversing on the things 
of God. In the morning I went to my ap- 
pointment, and preached to about ten hard- 
hearted sinners. 

Next day, I set out for my appoint ment 5 
but being a stranger, I stopped at a house 
to enquire the way, and the man told me he 
was just going to that place, for there was 
to be a methodist preacher there that day ; 
and c< Our preacher, said he, is to be there, 
" to trap him in his discourse, and if you 
" will wait a few minutes, until a neighbour 
M of mine comes, I will go with you." In 
a lew minutes the man ome, who, it seems, 
was a constable ; so we set off, and they soon 
fell into conversation about the preacher, hav» 
ing no idea of my being the man, as I never 
wore black, or any kind of garb, that indicated 
my being a preacher, and so I rode unsuspect- 
ed. The constable being a very profane man, 
he swore by all the gods he had, good and bad, 
that he would lose his right arm from his 
body if the methodist preacher did not go to 
jail that day. This was the theme of their 
discourse. My mind was greatly exercised 
on the occasion, and what added, as it were 
double weight, I was a stranger in a strange 
place, where I knew no one. When we ar- 
rived at the place appointed, I saw about two 
hundred horses hitched. I also hitched mine, 
and retired into the woods, where I prayed 
and covenanted with God on my knees, that 

I 



88 



if he stood by me in this country, I would be 
more for him through grace, than ever 1 had 
been. I then arose and went to my horse, 
with a perfect resignation to the will of God* 
whether to death or to jail. I took my saddle- 
bags and went to the house, the man took me 
into a private room and desired I would preach 
in favour of the war, as I was in a presby- 
terian settlement. I replied, I should preach 
as God should direct me. He appeared very 
uneasy and left me, and just before preach- 
ing he came in again, and renewed his re- 
quest that I would preach up for war, I re- 
plied as before, and then followed him out 
among the people, where he made proclama- 
tion as follows, " Gentlemen, this house is my 
" own, and no gentleman shall be interrupted 
" in my house in time of his discourse ; but 
" after he has done, you may do as you please.^ 
Thank God, s^id I softly, that I have liberty 
once more to warn sinners before I die. I 
then took my stand, and the house was so 
crouded that no one could set down. Some 
hundreds were round about the door. I stood 
about two or three feet from the constable 
who has sworn so bitterly—when he saw 
that I was the man, that he had so abused 
on the way, with so many threats and oaths, 
his countenance fell and he turned pale. I 
gave out a hymn, but no one offered to sing : 
X sung four lines, and kneeled down and 
praved. When I arose, I preached with great 
liberty, I felt such power from God rest upoi> 



me, that I was above the fear of either men 
r devils* not regarding whether death or jail 
hould be my lot : Looking forward I saw a 
decent looking man trembling, and tears flowed 
in abundance, which I soon discovered was 
the case with many others : after preaching, 
I , told them I expected they wanted to know 
by what authority I had come into that country 
to preach. I then told them my conviction 
and conversion, the place of my nativity and 
place of residence ; also my call to the ministy, 
and that seven years I had laboured in God's 
vineyard ; that I spent my own money and 
found and wore my own clothes, and that it 
was the love that I had for their precious souls 
for whom Christ died, that had induced me 
to come among them at the risque of my 
life; and then exhorted them to fly to Jesus 
the ark of safety, that all things were ready, 
to seek and they should find, to knock and 
it should be opened unto them. By this time 
the people were generally melted into tears. 
I then concluded, and told them on that day- 
two weeks they might expect preaching again. 
I mounted my horse and set out with a friendly 
quaker for a' pilot. We had not rode above 
fifty yards, when I heard one holloing after us. 
I looked back, and sew about fifty running 
after us. I then concluded that to jail I must 
go. We stopped, and when they came up, 
" I crave your name," said one— I told him, 
and so we parted. He was a justice of the 
peace, and was the person that I hwid takei? 



100 



notice of in time of preaching, and observed 
him to be in great anxiety of mind* No one 
offered me any violence ; but they committed 
the next preacher, on that dav two weeks, 
to the common jail. I went home with the 
kindquaker, where I tarried all night. I found 
that himself and wife were under serious im- 
pressions, and had had methodist preaching at 
their house. They were very kind, and we 
spent the evening in conversing on the things 
of God. Here A, C. one of our young preach- 
ers, meet me, intending to go round the cir- 
cuit with me. 

We set out for the next preaching place, 
where we found a small congregation. I had 
great liberty in preaching, and we had a blessed 
time. One woman fell to the floor. Brother 
C. was greatly tried at hearing the cries of 
the people. 

Next day we went on to our next appoint* 
rnent, in a school house, where we had a con* 
siderable congregation. I spake with great 
liberty ; two feU under the power of God, and 
when they came to, they had found peace, 
After class-meeting, we went home with one 
of our friends, and next day, preached at his 
house. The Lord attended the word with 
power, several cried aloud for mercy. In class 
we had a melting time, and two fell to the floor. 
This tried brother C. again, and he asked me 
why I did not command them to be silent. 
I told him that these people were not Jersey 
people, and I had not learned them to fall 



101 



down and cry out. as the people in your 
neighbourhood say I have learned the Jersey 
people. Here you may see for yourself, that 
it is the power oi God. Why said he, brother 
G. would forbid them. I told him, it mat- 
tered not to me what brother G. would do, 
1 knew it was the power of God ; and there- 
fore if every cry was as loud as ever he heard 
a clap of thunder I would not forbid them. 

Next day we went to our appointment, 
where the congregation was chiefly Germans, 
and a well- behaved people. Here the Lord 
wrought wonders, divers fell to the floor and 
several found peace We had a lively class, 
and a precious melting time among the people 
of God. Many tarried to hear what I had 
seen through the land, of the wonderful works 
of God. In family prayer, the power of God 
came on me in so wonderful a manner, that 
1 lost both the power of my body and use of 
my speech, and cried out in a strange manner. 
The people also cried aloud, here I thought 
I should frighten them, being in a strange 
country and among a people of a strange lan- 
guage, and was afraid it might prove a disad- 
vantage to them : but glory to God, it had a 
contrary effect, for they continued all night 
in prayer. 

Next morning, I set out with about twenty 
others for my appointment, where we found 
a large congregation. When I came to my 
application, the power of the Lord came in 
such a manner, that the people fell all about 



103 

the house ; and their cries might be heard 
afar off. This alarmed the wicked, who sprang 
for the doors in such haste, that they fell one 
over another in heaps. The cry of mourners 
was so great, I thought to give out a hymn 
to drown the noise, and desired one of our 
English friends to raise it, but as soon as he 
began to sing, the power of the Lord struck 
him, and he pitch* ..d under the table, and there 
lay like a dead man. I gave it out again* 
and asked another to raise it : as soon as he 
attempted, he fell also, 1 then wade the third 
attempt, and he power of God came upon me 
in such a manner, that 1 cried out, and was 
amazed. I then *aw that I was fighting a* 
gainst God, and did not attempt to sing again. 
Mr. Beam, the owner of the house, and a 
preacher among the Germans, cried out, *• I 
never saw God in this way before/ 5 I re- 
plied, This is a pentecost, daddy. " Yes, be 
" sure, said he, clapping his hands, a pente- 
cost be sure S" Prayer was all through the 
house, up stairs and crown. 1 desired Mr. 
Beam to go to prayer; he did so, and five 
or six of us did the same. A watch-night 
having been appointed for that evening, and 
seeing no prospect of this meeting being o- 
ver, although it had begun at eleven o'clock, 
1 told Mr. Beam that we had best quietly with, 
draw from the meeting house. When we had 
got out of the door, a young man came out, 
and laid hold on the fence to support himself 
torn falling, and there holloed amain* for God 



103 

to have mercy on him. To be sure, said Mr. 
Beam, I never saw God in this way before. 
We exhorted hip to. look to God and not to 
give up the struggle, and God would bless 
him before he left the place. I took the old 
gentleman by the arm and we went quietly 
to the house to get some dinner. About five 
o'clock a messenger came from the preaching- 
house, requesting that I would go there im- 
mediately, for there was a person dying. We 
went without delay. 1 went up stairs, and * 
there lay several about the floor, some crying 
for mercy, and others praising God. I then 
went into the preaching room, and there they 
lay about the floor in like manner. I then 
went to see the person said to be dying ; she 
laid gasping. I kneeled down to pray, but 
it was ..instantly given me, that God had con- 
verted her soul, and therefore instead of pray- 
ing for her deliverance I- gave God thanks 
that he had delivered her, and immediately she 
arose and praised God, for what he had done 
for her soul. 

A young German came to me, and clasped 
me in his arms, but could not speak English, 
that I could understand. I then retired to 
the house, and consulted with Mr, Beam, who , 
should preach in the evening, for I thought 
it would be best for one of the German preach- 
ers to speak first, there being several of them 
present. The rumour having run through the 
neighbourhood, of the power of God during 
the day, we had a very large congregation 




104 



in the evening, to whom one of the German 
preachers preached. It appeared to me he 
spake with life and power. After him, brother 
C. gave an exhortation ; but being confused, 
and'an enemy to the work, his discourse was 
neither attended with life nor power. Then 
Mr Beam gave an exhortation in the German 
language; and after him, a young man gave 
a warm exhortation in the same tongue. Then 
I arose, and hardly knew how to speak, there 
had been so much said, and it was now growing 
late. However, I spake, and the Lord laid 
to his helping hand, as he had done in the 
day time, divers fled and made their escape 
out of the house, and then it appeared as if 
there were none left, but what were earnestly 
engaged in prayer, some praising God and 
others crying to him for mercy. I told Mr, 
Beam that I should not be fit for the duties 
of the ensuing day if I did not retire. So 
we went to the house about twelve o'clock 
and took some refreshment and went to bed. 
In the morning I found that the people were 
still engaged and had been so all night. I 
went to the house, about sun an hour high, 
where i found about one dozen still engaged 
in prayer. I told them we ought to begin 
to prepare for the other meeting, so they broke 

up. r- A U 

We set out with about forty friends to the 
next appointment. The people being gathered, 
after singing and prayer, I began to preach, 
and God iaid to his helping hand ; many cried 



103 



aloud for mercy. One young man being 
powerfully wrought upon, retired up stairs 
and thefe thumped about on the floor, so that 
Mr B am was afraid that he would be in- 
jured in body. To be sure, said he, 1 never 
saw God in this way before* I told him there 
was no danger, he was in the hands of a 
merciful God. In a few minutes after, in 
attempting to come down stairs, he fell from 
the top to the bottom, and holloed aloud, 
"The devil is in the chamber! The devil 
is in the chamber !" which greatly alarmed 
all the people. This brought a great damp 
over my spirits, for i thought, if 1 had raised 
the devil, 1 might as well go home again. 
However, after a little space, 1 bid some of 
the dear people, go up stairs and see if the 
devil was there ; several went up to see what 
the matter was, and there they found a man 
rolling, groaning, and crying to God for mercy ; 
they returned and told us how the matter 
stood. When 1 dismissed the people, many 
wept around me, some said they had found 
peace, some were truly awakened, and others 
deeply convicted. 

Next day 1 went to my appointment, where 
1 meet a small congregation, to whom 1 ex- 
pounded the word— Met a small class — had 
a good time with them. 

1 went to my next appointment — it was 
in a large store-house, but the most dirty place 
I ever had been in. 1 had no stomach to 
eat, they were so monstrous filthy ; and when 



106 



in bed, 1 was readv to be devoured with flees* 
and bugs. Here there seemed but little good 
done. 

My next appointment was in a presbytenan 
settlement, where 1 preached to a large con- 
gregation of hard-hearted and stiff-necked sin- 
ners, with but little or no prospect of any 
eood being done. 1 left them without mak- 
ing any appointment, and went that evening 
to the place of my next appointment where 
1 met with about twenty persons, who nad 
assembled together. 1 gave them a word ot 
exhortation, and insisted on sanctification and 
holiness of heart ; here was a general weeping, 
and the word took such an effect on two young 
men, that they both fell to the floor, and one 
of them cried out in like manner as 1 had 
done when the Lord had sanctified my soul. 
1 said, God is about to sanctify them, especially 
that one, whose cry represented my own, 
under the like operation. Here we had a 
precious and powerful time in family worship. 
The voung men both declared that God had 
sanctified them and were as happy as they 
could live, praising God with loud acclama- 
tions of joy. 

Next day, the people gathered, and we had 
a tolerable congregation. God attended the 
word with power, and some cried out. We 
had a favoured time both in preaching and 

in class. , » 

1 went to mv next appointment and preacnea 
in the evening. God attended the word with 



10? 



power, and some cried out. In meeting the 
class, three or four professed sanctification. 

Next day,, at 'my appointment, 1 met with 
my worthv friend and brother in Christ, James 
Sterling of Ne w-Jersey, whom 1 was glad to 
see, having wrote to him ? some da\ s before 
and informed him how God was carrying on 
hi* work. In two days after he had received 
the account, he met me here. We had a 
crouded house, and the Lord laid to his help- 
ing hand; divers fell to thr floor, and some 
crfed aloud for mercy. Alter preaching, an 
old presbyterian gentleman attacked me, and 
told me that it was all the work of the devil- — 
that God was a God of order— and this was ; 
a perfect confusion. Well, said i, if this be 
the work of the deyil, these people (many of 
whom then lay on the floor as dead men) 
when they come to, they will curse and swear 
and rage like devils : but if it be of God, 
their notes will be changed : soon after, one 
of them came to, and he began to praise 
God, with a loud voice, and soon another 
and soon, until divers of them bore a testimo- 
ny for Jesus. Hark, hark ! said 1, to my old 
opponent, Brother, do you hear them, this 
is not the language of hell, but the language 
of Canaan. 1 then appointed prayer meeting 
at a friend's house in the neighbourhood. After 
the people had gathered, I saw my old op- 
ponent amongst them. 1 gave out a hi mn, 
and brother S. went to prayer, and after him 
myself ; 1 had spoken but a few words, before 



108 



brother S. fell to the floGr, and soon after him, 
every soul in the house, except myself and 
my old presbyterian opponent and two others. 
1 arose and gave an exhortation, and the two 
men fell, one as if he had been shot, and 
then they were every soul down in the house 
except myself and my old opponent. He be- 
gan immediately to dispute the point, telling 
me, it was all delusion, and the work of Satan. 
1 told him, to stand still, and see the saltation 
of the Loid As they came to, they all praised 
God, and not one soul . but what professed 
either to have received justification or sancti- 
fication: eight of w horn professed the latter. 
1 then replied, Hark ! Is this the language of 
hell ? Here your eyes have seen the salvation 
of the Lord/ The old man left us a little 
better satisfied than at first. 

Next morning brother S. went to prayer, 
and a woman fell to the floor, and holloed 
aloud. Then 1 went to prayer, and brother S. 
and several others fell under the mighty power 
of God : but 1 was under some exercise of 
mind, as the house fronted on the public high- 
way, lest any passing by, might hear the 
screeches and cries, and conclude that some 
one was committing murder ; but they all arose 
except the woman, and 1 desired that they 
would take her up and lay her on a bed, for 
we had spent so much time here, that time 
called us away to our next appointment, which 
was about seven miles distance — Here we 
met with my old presbyterian opponent again i 



on seeing 1 him I was sorry, for I concluded 
that we should have some disputing again, 
1 fixed my eyes on him, and cried mightily 
to God, that if one man fell tkat day, it might 
be him. . As I was preaching, I heard several 
cry out, Water ! water ! the man is fainting ! 
I looked round and saw it was my old op~ 
ponent trembling like Bclshazzar : I told them ? 
to let him alone, and to look to themselves^ 
for that it was the power of God that had 
arrested him. They let him go, and down 
he fell on the floor, struggled a while, and 
then lay as one dead. When I finished my 
discourse, and dismissed the people, in order 
to meet the class, I desired some of our 
friends to carry him out, as he was in our 
way: they did so, and laid him on a bed 
m a back room--*- After class, I went in to see 
my old opponent ; he had just come to, and 
was sitting on the bed : Now, thought I, is 
this the work of the devil, or not ? but said 
nothing to him, nor he to me. 

Next morning, we went to our appoint- 
ment, where we had a large congregation. 
Looking round, I saw my old presbyterian 
friend again. This was nine miles distance 
from my former appointment— I felt great free- 
dom in speaking s a woman began to shaK 
in a powerful manner, and three or four cried, 
Water ! water ! 1 told them it was the power 
of God that had fallen on her, so they let her 
go, and down she fell on the floor. I bid 
them to look to themselves, and went on witii 

K 



116 

my discourse, some wept, some sighed, and 
some groaned. When I dismissed the people, 
not one offered to go. I then desired some 
one to speak to them ; and brother C. arose 
and said, You stand amazed at the power of 
God, and well you may, and gave a smart 
exhortation. By this time, 1 had gathered a 
little strength, and gave them an exhortation ; 
they wept all through the house. 1 then said, 
for* God's sake, if any can speak for God, 
say on, for I can speak no more. Who should 
arise, but my old presbyterian opponent, and 
began with informing them that he was not 
one of this sect, that he had been with me four 
days, and that he never had seen the power 
of God in this way before, and added, It is 
the power of God \ and gave a warm exhor- 
tation for about three quarters of an hour. 
I then dismissed the people, and told them, 
I was so exhausted that 1 was unable to speak 
to them at present ; but they still seemed 
loth to eo awav. Several quakers asked me 
question!, but in a friendly manner, concern- 
W the work they had heard of t I told them 
th'at their eyes had seen it. The woman, be- 
fore mentioned, rose up and testified that Uod 
had sanctified her soul, and spake to the peo pi e, 
testifying what God had done for her soul. 
1 told them that they had seen how the power 
of God had wrought upon her. After this, 
the people withdrew. I spent the evening 
to my satisfaction with the family and a neigh? 
fcour who tarried all night. 



Ill 



Earley next morning a young man came in, 
and after asking how we did, burst into tears i 
I asked him what was the matter? Why, 
said he, yesterday my brother was struck on- 
der your preaching, and we thought last night 
that he was dying, and seat for some of the 
neighbours* He now desires you to corne, 
for he wishes to see you. I told the young 
tnan, to inform his brother, that after break- 
fast I purposed to come. When we went, 
we found seven or eight of the neighbours, 
who had assembled in order to see him die* 
He said, u I was very much terrified yestef* 
" day under preaching, and after I got home, 
" I was struck like a clap of thunder* and 
*i all my sins were set before me, and I ft 11 
" like a log on the floor, and thought I was 
" going to die, and expected to be in hell 
« among devils and damned ghosts, which I 
" saw round me ready to receive me ; and 
I cried aloud to God to have mercy on 
41 me, and our people thought I was crazy 
" and was going to dV; -accordingly they sent 
" for our neighbours, as you see. I con- 
tinued until after midnight." — Well, but said 
I, how do you feel now? do you feel that 
curse, that pain, and anxiety in your breast 
that you did then ? No, said he— How do 
you feel ? " Why, I feel at perfect peace, 
" and my heart is as light as a feather." Why, 
said I, God has converted your soul. At that 
instant he started on his feet, and threw off 
his blanket that he had wrapped about him, 



IIS 

clapped his hands, and shouted. Glory to God ! 
for what he had done for him ; and was per- 
fectly well, both in body and mind. I turned 
to his mother, and said, Thank God, that you 
have this day a son born ; and to the neigh- 
bours, You have seen with your bodily eyes$ 
the mighty power of God. His mother im- 
mediately cried out, " Away with you, I want 
" no more of you here. Whitefield was here 
" like you, turning the world upside down ; 
H I want no more of your being born again. n 
Mammy, said I, were you ever born again f 
Yes, said she. When ? said I. When ! re- 
plied she, why when I was christened-— and 
besides, I took the sacrament when I was 
fourteen years of age, and was made a member 
of Christ's mystical body. My dear mother, 
said I, you were born blind, and are so to 
the present moment ; and then quoted several 
texts to convince her of her ignorance in the 
things of God — But she replied, Whitefield 
was here, before you, driving people mad- 
Away with you— I want no more of you here* 
Seeing there was no prospect of doing any 
more good, I departed in possession of peace 
leaving her raging like a devil. 

We went on to our appointment, where 
we had a small congregation of dead stupid 
people. A few quakers attended, that had 
been out the day before. After meeting, one 
of them kindly asked me to go home with him : 
My next appointment being in his neighbour- 
hood, I went, Next morning, when I enquired 



for him, I was informed that he had gone out, 
but would be in again. After sometime, he 
returned ; and with him an old friend, whom 
I took to be a preacher. I then began to 
think what discourse I should introduce, as 
I had reason to think he had been brought 
to try what foundation I stood upon : however, 
I began to speak of the depths of religion, and, 
what they held, of justification, and sanctifica- 
tion : I then told them my conviction and 
conversion ; how the Spirit of the Lord had 
wrought upon me; and four times in that 
circuit in such a manner, that it had taken 
away the use of my limbs. At that instant 
it came on me so powerfully, that I fell. 
I endeavoured to quench the Spirit, for I 
expected, as they were strangers to the like 
operation, that I should frighten them. In 
a few minutes, I arose and went into the par- 
lour, where the Spirit of God came on mc 
as if one had pierced a sword through me* 
I cried out so loud that it alarmed the people 
at the barn, who came running into the house 
to see what was the matter ; but they hastened 
as fast out of the house as they came in. I 
cried out in an amazing manner, and when 
the Lord had in some measure withdrawn 
his Spirit, I looked round and found them 
all in tears. Those who had fled out of the 
house were at the windows. The old friend, 
who came with the man of the house, blessed 
God, with tears in his eyes, that he ever had 
seen such a man — telling me, if I would go 

2 



114 



with him, I should preach in their school-house, 
which was large and convenient. I told him, 
I could not leave my circuit, btft thanked him 
for his kind offer. But, said he, if thou wilt 
come to our house, thou mayest preach in 
our meeting-house. I told him they would 
not let me. " Yes, said he, thou art a plain 
u man, and lookest like one of us : I warrant 
thee, they will let thee." But I told him, I 
did not know that ever my lot would be cast 
in that quarter again, and therefore could not 
promise him-— Well, said he, we will go and 
hear thee to-day ; so the good woman hurried 
breakfast, and we all went to meeting, which 
was about one mile distant, where we found 
a large congregation : for the alarm had spread. 
I preached, and God attended the word with 
power. The power of God struck the woman 
of the house to the floor ; She cried to the 
Lord for mercy : But she was soon tempted 
that it was witchcraft, and that she was be- 
witched, and must now leave her husband and 
children, and follow me through the world. 
I returned with the friends, and tarried all 
flight. We spent the evening satisfactorily 
jn conversing on the things of God. In the 
morning 1 went to prayer among them ; and 
the man of the house went with me about 
four miles, and put me into a road that led to 
the meeting-house ; and here we parted in the 
unity of the Spirit. 

When I arrived at my appointment, I found 
a large congregation, and among the rest, the 



115 



woman who thought she was bewitched. Here 
God attended the word with power ; some 
fell, and others ran out of the door. One 
woman going out, met another coming in, 
and said to her, Do not go in, for you cannot 
stand it* Several who had been long in society, 
professed to have found peace, and others 
sanctification — We had the shout of a king in 
the camp— Many said it was the greatest day 
they had ever seen in that place. I went home 
with one of our friends, and as he was going to 
put up my horse, the aforesaid woman came ; 
and I asked her if she was going to tarry 
all night : She said, she was — I went and asked 
our friend who the woman was : He said, he 
did not know. After we had put up our 
horses, we went over to one of our friends, 
where we found several of the neighbours, 
with whom we held a prayer meeting ; we 
had a powerful time, and I was happy in 
my soul. — I returned with my friend, and 
found his wife and the woman sitting up 
waiting for us. We went to family prayer, 
and the power of God so came upon the 
woman, that she fell to the floor, and cried 
out, Lord, have I called thy servant an en- 
chanter ? Now I know it is of the Lord ; and 
praised God as she lay on the floor : She 
arose and said, Now I can go home in peace—- 
and in the morning she departed. 

I went on to my appointment, and finding 
the people flocking together, I had the strangest 
feelings that I had ever experienced ; some- 



116 



thing like fainty fits. I concluded to go to 
bed, but seeing such a multitude of people 
together, I thought I would try to exhort ; 
accordingly I sang and prayed ; the panic left 
me ; my soul was set at perfect liberty, and 
the Lord attended the word with power — 
1 met the society, and had a precious time 
among the dear people -of God. Here I found 
several under awakening by the Spirit of the 
Lord— One woman gave me a strange re- 
lation of her conversion : she said, " 1 went 
« to the Roman chapel, out of an idle curiosi- 
« tv— opening a door, I saw the representa- 
u t'ion of Christ on the Cross, and the blood 
" running down the side : It struck me with 
« such an awful sense of my sins, and the 
k satisfaction made through Christ tor sin, 
« t hat it threw me into sore distress for salva- 
" tion : I went home ; and, in about two 
m weeks, found peace and joined society/' 
She appeared to be a worthy member of socie- 
ty from what I could learn. I spent the even- 
ing to my satisfaction in conversing on the 

things of God. 

Next dav 1 set off to my appointment at 
Potts's Furnace, which for wickedness was 
next door to hell. Here they swore that they 
would shoot me. Mrs. Grace hearing of their 
threats, and being herself unwell and not able 
to attend, sent a person to moderate the iur- 
nace men and colliers. Here brother Sterling 
met me aeain. 1 went into the house and 
preached with great liberty. Several of the 



colliers faces were all in streaks where the 
ears ran down their cheeks. Brother S. gave 
n exhortation and was very happy in deliver- 
ng the truth. After meeting we went to 
Mrs. Grace's at the forge ; the old lady took 
me by the hand and said, u I never was so 
" glad to see a man in the world, for 1 was 
afraid that some of the furnace men had 
44 killed you, for they swore bitterly that they 
44 would shoot you." We tarried all night, 
and next day preached, and the Lord was 
very precious 5 many wept and sighed. Mrs* 
Grace seemed desirous that we should appoint 
an other meeting-^we did so* and she sent 
out and gave information* and brother C* 
preached ; for I was so broken down that 
1 was unable to say much 5 and after hint 
brother S, gave an exhortation. After meeting 
we spent the evening very agreeably with MfS 
Grace, her daughter, and grand-daugthers 1 
her daughter was under conviction , Next 
morning in family prayer we had a precious 
time, the Lord opened the windows of heaven 
and the Spirit of God came as in the days 
of pentecost ; her daughter found peace and 
one of the grand daughters was under soui 
distress, while the old lady was on the wing 
for glory. Brother S. brother C* and myself 
parted here. They went home, and 1 went 
to my appointment at D. F.*s; and there we 
had a clever congregation, but the people were 
afraid to set near me, having been informed 
that the people on the circuit fell like dead 



11§ 

mem i preached, and we had a powerful 
time many were cut to the heart, some fed 
o the floor" and several cried aloud tor mercy. 

Next day 1 preached at Cloud's meeting- 
bouse, and at night held a ^ayer-meeting a. 
their house ; it seemed to be the gfeft* 
christians, for clean hearts. Several were lost 
in the ocean of love t we had a powerful, meit- 
ine shouting time. 

g Next davf 1 set oft for home, and went to 
Wilmington and preached in an o d store 
house on the wharf. Some people went thrpuga 
the town and said, there was an old sailor curs- 
he and swearing at a terrible rate 5 this brought 
the people together from every quarter and 
he hoise and wharf were crouded. Some 
Wept, some laughed and others mocked; some 
Jrc awakened and came to me and enquired 

^^to^^X"jSi And rest to 

th DurTnf'this found on the circuit, twenty 
four pro'fessed sanctification, and how many 
more were justified I know not ; but at one 
place (Mr. Lam's) they informed me that 

th ?U Wiu^n and went to New-castle, 
crossed the Delaware, and so returned home, 
much broken down, and had so lost my vo.ee 
Sat the friends thought i would never be 
able to preach any more, unless it were to 
wldsoer a' little; but in about two months 
1 had recovered my speech again tolerably 



119 

well, and longed to be in the Lord's vine- 
yard again. 

My son David was now a preacher, and 
riding on Kent circuity Maryland, and 1 re- 
ceived a letter from hiin requesting me to 
come and take his circuit while he came home, 
to see his mother, brothers, sisters, and friends, 
J got rnyself ready and crossed the Delaware 
again at New-castk, and went to the head of 
Elk to S. Ps and preached, and 1 charitably 
hope some good seed was sown ; though we 
had no class there, 

1 went on to my next appointment at one 
Simmons's where I preached and had a power- 
ful time. Some were awakened, and enquired 
what they must do to be saved. I met the 
class and had a precious time among the litde 
few. 

Next day at my appointmunt, God attended 
the word with power ; many felt the effects 
thereof, and many wept, both white and black. 
After dismissing the people, we had a power- 
ful time in class ; many fell to the floor, among 
whom was the man of the house ; several pro- 
fessed sanctification, and some to be justified- 
J4ext day, being the sabbath, 1 preached there 
again ; in the morning 1 met the black class in 
the barn, many fell to the floor li^e dead men 
while others cried $loud for mercy ; but 1 
had to leave them, as it was time to attend 
my appointment. When 1 came to the place 
it was computed there were above one thousand 
people , and a clergyman among them. 1 



]20 



preached in the woods, and the Lord preached 
from heaven in his Spirit's power, and the 
people fell on the right and on the left ? 1 saw 
that many were in a flutter and ready to flee, 
i told them to stand still and look to them- 
selves, for God Almighty was come into the 
camp. They kept their stations and did not 
flee. 1 continued to invite them to fly to 
Jesus the ark of safety. It was a great day 
to many souls. After I had concluded, a 
gentleman present said to me, " I want to talk 
with you ; and when you pass through our 
town, 1 request you to call on me Another 
gentleman present, pointing at the first, said 
this is our clergyman. 1 told him, 1 would 
endeavour to call on him; but at present; 
must hasten to my afternoon appointment, 
leaving the slain and wounded on the field. 
When 1 came to the place, 1 found a large 
congregation assembled i here 1 preached with 
great liberty, and many fell to the earth both 
white and black ; some as dead men, while o- 
thers were screaming and crying aloud to God 
for mercy. After preaching, the gentleman, 
who hud" shewed me their clergyman, invited 
me home with him. When 1 came to his 
house, such attendance i had never met with ; 
for as soon as 1 came in, he ordered a young 
neerq to pull off my boots and to put on me 
a pair of slippers, i told the lad to let me pull 
them off myself, but the gentleman screamed 
out at him, because he did not seize hold and 
pull them off ; 1 was obliged to submit* He 



121 



then opened a large library ; I soon found he 
was a well read man, but had no knowledge 
ef God. He told me, if what he had that day 
heard and seen was religion, he must confess 
he knew nothing of the matter, although he 
professed himself a good churchman. He told 
me that their minister was both a drunkard 
and a liar, and advised me not to go near him ; 
but I told him that I had promised, and must 
go, or they would call me a liar. Well, said 
he, I will go with you, that he may not mis- 
represent you when you are gone. After family 
duty, I went to bed ; I observed by my head 
a pair of pistols, which I did not desire so near 
me, but I said nothing. Next morning we 
went to see the clergyman ; but we stopped 
at a friend's house of his, who said to me, 
tarry here, and I will go and bring the clergy, 
man. He went, but did not find him at home. 
We then went on, and crossed the river, where 
I preached to a small congregation. Here the 
gentleman and I parted : We had a happy 
time in class : here I saw, what I never had 
met with before, twenty women in class, and 
but one man, and he an African. 

I went next day to one Howard's, and 
preached to a large attentive congregation : had 
an alarming time ; they heard as for eternity ; 
the word reached many hearts. I met class, 
and had a precious time in pressing holiness 
of heart on them. As I was speaking, one 
woman trembled, and fell to the floor ; and 
after some time she lay still ; and when she 

L 



122 



came to, she said that God had sanctified hee 
soul. Then told her dream that she had the 
night before. I dreamed, said she, that 1 saw 
a plain old man, with strings in his shoes, and 
1 saw every feature in his face, and he reached 
out, and gave me a clean piece of paper; 
and I believe it represented a clean heart ; 
and now I know that God had sanctified me. 

Next day, I proceeded to my appoint- 
inent at brother H's— had a crouded house ; 
and preached from these words— Verily, verily ', 
I say unto thee, except a man be born again, 
he cannot see the kingdom of God The Lord 
attended the word with great power ; the 
people fell, screamed, screeched, and cried a. 
loud for mercy. Here I was as happy as I 
could live in the body ; many were awakened, 
and one great sinner stood amazed and struck 
with wonder at what his eyes saw. After 
preaching, met the class and had a most power, 
ful time. Some lost the power of their bodies, 
and we had a shout in the Lord's camp. 
Next day I went to my appointment ; the 
% rumour of* the work of the Lord caused many 
to attend the word. Looking round, I saw 
the big man again, he being of an uncommon 

s -, ze In mv application, the Lord opened the 

■windows of heaven, and rained down right- 
eousness on the people. 1 proceeded to meet 
the class, but the power of God came in such 
a manner, that it prevented me. We had a 
shout in Israel's camp ; some shouted praises 
jo God, others cried aloud to him for mercy, 



m 



many lay on the floor as dead men, others 
all bathed in tears. And the people shouted 
with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar 
off. Thus our meeting continued for the space 
of three hours before it broke up, and I found 
the big man on his knees at prayer. 

Next day I preached to a small congrega- 
tion of hard-hearted, stiff necked, uncircu in- 
cised sinners, and felt but little freedom a- 
mong them. After preaching, met the little 
class; spake freely to them, and impressed 
holiness on them with all my powers, but found 
them rather dead and stupid. Here I met 
with a man that gave me a strange relation — 
That he had seen a spirit, and knowing it 
to be his mother, he was much surprised, 
and she told him he must meet her at a place 
she named to him, on the next evening, and 
that she would discover to him her business ; 
lie asked her if he might bring a friend or 
tw r o with him ; she said he might bring them 
within some small distance from the place ap- 
pointed ; he took several with him, and they 
tarried accordingly, and he w 7 ent forward to 
the place she had appointed, and there she 
met him and told him that at a certain spring, 
at such a tree and such a distance from the 
tree, she had buried half a dozen plates for 
him when he was a small child. When she 
had concluded, she vanished out of his sight, 
and they all returned to the house. He went 
to the place, found the spring and the tree, 
and soon found the plates ; he took them up. 



m 



and brought them home, and they were then 
in his possession. 

Next morning I went to the place of my 
appointment, where I found many hundreds 
collected on the occasion of a funeral there 
that day. The minister who preached the 
funeral sermon, being of the church form, 
went through the ceremonies thereof, and then 
preached a short, easy, smooth, soft sermon, 
which amounted to almost nothing, By this 
time a gust was rising, and the firmament 
was covered with blackness ; two clouds ap- 
peared to come from different quarters, and 
to meet over the house, which caused the 
people to croud into the house, up stairs and 
down, to screen themselves from the storm i 
when the minister had done, he asked me 
if I would say something to the people. I 
arose, and with some difficulty got on one 
of the benches, the house was so greatly croud- 
ed ; and almost as soon as I began, the Lord 
out of heaven began also. The tremendous 
claps of thunder exceeded any thing lever 
had heard, and the streams of lightning flashed 
through the house in a most awful manner I 
It shook the very foundation of the house, the 
windows jarred with the violence thereof. I 
lost no time, but set before them the awful 
coming of Christ, in all his splendor, with 
all the armies of heaven, to judge the world 
and to take vengeance on the ungodly ! It 
may be, cried I, that he will descend in the 
next clap of thunder I The people screamed, 



125 



screeched, and fell all through the house. 
The lightning, thunder, and rain continued 
for about the space of one hour, in the most 
awful manner ever known in that country ! 
during which time, I continued to set before 
the people, the coming of Christ to judge the 
world ; warning and inviting sinners to flee to 
Christ; One eld sinner, made an attempt to 
go, but had not gone far before he fell. Some 
went to him and put him in a carriage, and 
took him home, where, as I was informed, 
he remained three days and three nights and 
neither eat nor drank. When the storm abated 
we broke up the meeting ; many were that 
day convinced, and many converted.* 

I went to my next appointment preached 
to the people with some feeling, but saw little 
prospect of any good being done. 

I went on to quarterly meeting, which was 
held in brother Simmon's barn, where I met 
briber Sterling, from New- Jersey, whom I 
was glad to see. We had a large congrega- 
tion ; one of our preachers preached, several 
spoke by exhortation, and we had a good 
time on Saturday. On Sabbath morning we 
had love-feast, the people spoke freely, and 
we had a precious time. After love-feast, I 

* Fourteen years after, when I rode that circuit, 
I conversed with twelve living* witnesses, who told me 
that they were all converted at that storm, and also 
of divers others, who had gone from time to eternity, 
during my absence of fourteen years, and of several 
who had moved out of the neighbourhood. 

2 



126 



preached, and God attended the word wit5t 
power ; many cried aloud, and some fell to 
the floor. After I concluded, brother Ivy gavs 
an exhortation and spoke very pow.erfuliy ; 
many wept under his exhortation : and after 
him, several others gave exhortations. A 
number were converted and some were sancti- 
fied, but how many I never knew.. Here my 
kind friend Mr. K. invited me to his house, 
and told me, to bring my friends with me : 
accordingly I took brother Sterling and went 
home with him. Here, I thank God, I was 
at no loss \ brother S. returned the complU 
jnent with which he congratulated us, on our 
arrival, as became the christian and gentleman* 
We soon fell into conversation on the things 
of God, At time of family worship, abundance 
of black people assembled in the kitchen, and 
the door was set open that they might hear 
without coming into the parlour. I gave out 
a hymn, brother Sterling went to prayer, and 
after him myself. TM power of the Lord 
came down m a wonderful manner among 
the black people, some cried aloud, and others 
fell to the floor, some praising God, and some 
crying for mercy : after we had concluded^ 
brother S, went among them, where he coa- 
tinued upwards of one hour, exhorting them 
to fly to Jesus the ark of safety.. 

Next day, we set our faces homewards, 
and arrived at New-Casde, and preached in 
the evening at brother F'% to a hard hearted 
disobedient people ; but I endeavoured to de ? 



227 



dare to them the terrors of the law, and pro- 
mises of the gospel. 

Next day I crossed the river and returned 
home, where I found my family well, for which 
and every other mercy, I desire to be ever 
truly thankful to the great author of all good \ 
who had brought me again in safety to my 
habitation in peace *, and had attended his un- 
worthy dust, when absent in his service, with 
his Spirit's power, for which my soul adores 
the God and rock of my salvation. 

Some time after this, my son David was 
riding in the Delaware State on the Dover 
circuit, and I crossed the Delaware river, in 
order to meet him, at J. S's, but being a day 
too late, he departed very sorrowful, conclud- 
ing I was sick, as he had written requesting 
me to meet him there ; however I pushed 
after him, and overtook him at Duck creek 
cross-roads, preaching to a large congregation 
in an orchard ; but coming behind him, he 
saw nothing of me until he concluded ; and 
as soon as he stepped off the stand, I stepped 
on, and gave an exhortation, and instantly 
God attended the truth with power, the people 
cried aloud, and we had a shout in the camp ; 
but as it was likely to interfere with our next 
appointment, I dismissed the people, and went 
to Black-ston's meeting-house, where the 
people expected me, and a large multitude 
was assembled,. I preached with life and power, 
and the Lord attended the word ; many wept, 
and 1 trust some good was done, I wen* 



)2S 



home with friend Blackston. In the evening 
met class and gave them an exhortation, and 
endeavoured to show the nature and necessity 
of perfection, or holiness of heart, and pressed 
it home upon them, with all the ability that 
God gave me : while speaking to the society 
one cried out, then another, and the cry be- 
came general, and there was such a weeping, 
crying and shouting that I could not speak 
to" any more. One young woman cried out 
that she was not an' angel, but she knew that 
God had given her a clean heart, and had 
sanctified her soul. A young man ran to me 
and clasped me about the neck, and said, I 
am a baptist, but 1 know the Lord is here, 
I feel his Spirit. This continued for some 
time, and I said, There is no occasion for 
me to say any thing more, for the Master 
of assemblies has met you himself, and has 
spoken to every heart. Here I was as happy 
myself, as I knew how to continue in the body. 

Next day, my son returned home to see 
his friends,' and I went on the circuit in his 
room. At the next appointment, I preached 
and the Lord manifested his power and pre- 
sence amongst us. One sinner fell to the 
floor, and cried mightily to God to have mercy 
on his soul I went on, and when I came 
to the application, I exhorted them to fly to 
Christ : Here, said I, you see the power of 
God, and Christ is exalted on his throne ; 
why will you die, and sell your souls to the 
4evil? I 'desired the christians to with- draw 



out of the room and let sinners come and see 
for themselves ; they did so, and when they 
came in, I said, Here you see the power of 
God on this young man, (he was then almost 
exhausted laying on the floor;) if this be of 
hell, as some of you may think it is, when he 
comes to, he will curse and swear ; hut if it be 
of God, he will praise him. When he revived 
again, he began to praise God for what he 
had done for his soul, and told them that God 
had forgiven his sins* and exhorted them to 
seek the" Lord. Hark ! said I, this is not the 
language of hell, but of Canaan ; a language 
that has gone through your land and you do 
not understand it. 

Next dav I went to my appointment, where 
I was informed, the children of the devil were 
greatly offended, and intended that day to kill 
me ; here I had a crouded congregation. I 
preached, and God attended the word with 
power, several made an attempt to go out, but 
the croud was so great about the door, they 
were obliged to stay. They began quickly 
to fall to the floor, and to cry aloud, so that 
we soon had a proper shout in the camp. The 
Lord was very powerful s one young man was 
struck to the floor, and many said that he was 
dead; but I told them that he was not dead. 
I told them to take him up and lay him on 
a bed, where he lay about three hours, and 
many continued to say he was dead. I now 
began to be greatly exercised, it being the 
first time I ever had felt any fears, lest any 



ISO 



one should expire under the mighty power 
of God. He lay in so dead a state, and con- 
tinued so long, that his flesh grew cold, and 
his blood was stagnated to his elbows ; his 
fingers Were spread, and about half shut, and 
in so stiff a condition, that they could not be 
straightened. Very great and various were 
my exercises, during this period. I con- 
cluded to go home, and not proceed one step 
farther, for killing people would not answer ; 
but at last he came to , and as soon as he 
could speak, he began to praise God for what 
he had done for his soul. This is the Lord's 
doing and it is marvellous in our eyes. 

Next day I went to my other appointment, 
and preached in a barn, to a large congrega- 
tion, and spoke with freedom ; many wept. 
Here I met two young Nicholites, who came 
and spoke freely to me concerning spiritual 
things. I believe they were both christians* 

le of them followed me three days, and de- 
parted in love and tenderness. 

My next appointment was in a local preach- 
er's house ; he having heard what was going 
on, began to tell me he looked upon it all 
confusion, for that God was a God of order; 

1 told him that he might rest assured that it 
was the power of God ; however, the people 
gathered, and I preached. The power of God 
seized a woman sitting before me, suckling 
h^r chiid, she began to tremble, and fell back 
on the floor. " After she came to, she sprang 
up, clapping her hands, crying aloud, Tell 



the sinners it is the work of the Lord ! This 
alarmed the town, and brought many people 
together, and the Spirit of the eternal God 
laid hold on several of them ; many wept. 
I had not spoken long, before the slain and 
Wounded lay all through the house, and, a- 
mong the rest, the local preacher ; some cry- 
ing for mercy, and others praising God for 
what he had done for their souls, testifying 
that he had justified them, and set their souls 
at liberty ; and one proiessed sanctification. 
I desired the class to stop, and I spoke first 
to the local preacher. What do you think of 
it now my brother, is it the work of God or 
not ? O ! said he, I never thought that God 
would pour out his Spirit in such a manner, 
for I could not move hand or foot any more 
than if I had been dead ; but I am as happy as I 
can live— we had a precious time among God's 
people. Here I found many precious souls. 

Next day I went to brother Cole's, preached, 
and had a precious time. Here I found a 
lively class. A predestinarian woman staid in 
class: when I spoke to her, she began to dis- 
pute about principles; I endeavoured to shew 
her that Christ had died for all ; and not for 
a few only, according to her notion. She got 
convinced, and joined society ; I spent the 
evening in conversing on the things of God. 

Next morning, being the Lord's day, I went 
to the preaching-house, where I found many 
hundreds gaihered. It was supposed the house, 
although large, did not hold half the people* 



W 

I preached with great freedom, and was not 
at a loss for matter. Many wept, but I can- 
pot say much good was done, 1 spent the 
evening at brother Cole's, in conversing on 
the things of God, and what he was doing 
through the land. 

I went from hence to brother E's, and 
preached in a barn to a large congregation ; 
here the work of the Lord broke out with 
power ; many cried aloud for mercy, others 
were rejoicing in God their Saviour. Here 
1 met wich C. R. a pious young woman, who 
professed sanctification, and her life cor- 
responded therewith. 

At my next appointment, 1 preached to a 
large congregation in the woods, and was in- 
formed, that 1 was to be attacked by the clerk 
of the church, who had attacked some of our 
preachers. The power of God attended the 
word, and the clerk sat with his spectacles 
wrong side up, twisting and wringing his 
mouth, and pulling and tugging those near 
him, until they grew ashamed of him, and 
moved. 1 fixed my eyes on him, seeing his 
behaviour, and cried as loud as 1 was able, 
The devil is come into the camp ! The devil 
is come into tht camp I Help men of Israel ! 
Every man and woman to their sword ! Cry- 
mightily to God, that the power of hell may 
be shaken, and suffer loss 1 In an instant, we 
had the shout of a king in the camp ; the 
clerk took off his spectacles, hung his head, 
and did not raise it again until I had done. 



133 



When service was over, many came and 
asked me, if I did not see die devil bodily : 
I told them no ; I only saw one of his a> 
gents acting for him. Several broken-hearted 
sinners flocked round me ; I requested them 
to go to the hoqse 9 where 1 was to meet class* 
We had the house so full, I concluded only 
to sing, and pray, and give an exhortation. 
I enforced the necessity of sanctification, and 
told them what God was doing on the circuit. 
Brother E. was soon on the floor, and quickly 
another fell, and soon there were four down, 
In the mean time I did not forget sinners, 
and they began to fall: six or seven were 
soon down. Here C. R. the pious young 
woman, before mentioned, helped me in the 
work of the Lord : the meeting lasted near 
©r quite two hours. 

Next day I met brother Asbury, at brother 
T. White's, on my way to quarterly meeting, 
and about twenty other preachers. Sister 
White, I believe was an Israelite indeed, in 
whom there was no guile. Brother Asbury 
asked me, What news from the sea coast ? 
Why, said one of the preachers, he can tell 
you nothing 6 Yes, yes, said brother Asbury, 
he can tell us something, I then related how 
God was carrying on his work ; and they 
were amazed. Brother Asbury called me up 
stairs, and told me I must preach that evening. 
I told him I could not, as they were all preach- 
ers ; well, said he, you must exhort after me. 
1 said, perhaps I may. We went down, and 

M 



134 

he preached , and after he had done, I rose, 
and as they were mostly preachers, I con- 
cluded only to tell my experience, and so re ? 
lated my conviction and conversion, and ex- 
horted them all to holiness of heart, and so 
concluded. In the morning, brother A, stroked 
down my head, and said, Brother Abbott, the 
black coats scared you last night ; to which 
I replied. What could I say, they were nearly 
ail preachers ? We ail set out for quarterly 
meeting : Sister White came to me, as I was. 
on horseback, took me by the hand, exhorting 
me for some time* I felt very happy under 
her wholesome admonitions. Towards even- 
ing, not far from the place, we stopped at 
a door, and brother A. said to the man of 
the house, You must sent out, and gather 
your neighbours—and turning to me, he said ? 
You must preach here to-night. At candle- 
light, we had a large congregation. 1 preached, 
some wept, some sighed, and others groaned, 
but I cannot say much good was done ; how- 
ever, I hope it was not altogether labour lost. 
Next morning we went to quarterly meeting 
at Barrett's chapel. Here we had a large con- 
gregation, to whom brother Asbury preached, 
and afterwards he called on me to give an 
exhortation- Some of the preachers wondered 
where he had gathered up that old fellow. 
} sang, prayed, and began to exhort, and God 
laid to his helping hand, and come done m 
his Spirit's power as in ancient days; some 
icil to the floor, others ran out of the house^ 



155 

fftatty cried aloud for mercy, and others were 
shouting praises to the God of hosts, with 
hearts full of love divine. Seeing the people 
set on the joists up stairs, I was afraid tney 
would fall through, this caused me to with- 
hold : I quitted the pulpit, and there was an 
exhortation or two given, and the meeting 
broke up. After meeting, brother Asbury 
said, Brother Abbott, you must go home with 
such a gentleman, and then went to the gentle- 
man, and brought him to me, and I went 
with him. After dinner, I conversed with 
divers christian friends, of the dealings of God 
with 'his peop!e 9 aed what he was doing-through 
our land. In the evening I asked if any of 
them could sing, 

Still out of the deepest abyss 
Of trouble I mournfully cry ; 
I pine to recover my peace, 
To see my Redeemer and die* 

A gentleman from Dorchester answered, he 
could, and they sang it with such melodious 
Toices, and with the spirit, that it was attended 
with great power. The gentleman's lady ai d 
two others, fell to the floor. When done sink- 
ing, we kneeled down to pray, and several 
fell : the man of the house, who had been a 
backslider, got restored ; many prayers were 
sent up to God, both by men and women : 
our meeting continued three hours. 

Next morning, our love feast began at sun 
rise ; i just made out to get there as the doors 



136 



were shut : the croud was so great, that we 
could not go round with the bread and water 
as usual. It was supposed that as many were 
outside, as in the house. After singing and 
prayer, brother Asbury opened the love-feast 
and bade the people to speak. Many of them 
spoke very powerfully ; several exhortations 
were given in intervals by the preachers ; we 
had a precious time. The house being opened, 
one of the preachers preached, and several 
spoke by way of exhortation, whicte was at- 
tended with power, and we had a peaceable 
waiting before the Lord. After this meeting* 
I returned home again, where I arrived in 
safety and peace. Thanks be to God for the 
same. 

My wife had been in a poor state of health 
for about seven years. About six weeks be- 
fore her death, she told me that God would 
remove one of us, and I believe, said she, 
that you ought to be in his vineyard, and if 
I am the cross, I shall be removed from you. 
About the same time, she besought God to 
deliver her from her affliction of body, that 
she had so long laboured under ; and in one 
moment, she was restored to as perfect health 
as ever she had enjoyed in all her life^ and con- 
tinued so, until the day <§f her death, which 
was about six weeks after. On the day which 
she died, she had been to market, and returned 
home in the evening. When I came into 
the house, we had some conversation, and 
soon after, she said, I feel very strange— send 



137 



For brother Bilderhack, to bleed me; for I 
believe I am going to have a fit of the colic. 
He came, and made several attempts to let 
blood, but found it so stagnated, that it would 
not run. My daughter Hannah, stepped to 
her and said, " Mamma, you are dying ! " 
She immediately besought God in prayer, to 
receive her soul, when it should take its flight 
from time to eternity. After she had done* 
I kneeled down, and prayed to God, that she 
might have an easy passage. She continued 
clapping her hands, all the time I was at prayer ; 
although she had the rattles of death on her. 
I asked her, if she saw heaven sweetly opened 
before her. She was speechless ; but made 
three nods with her head, and her soul took 
its flight without either sigh, groan, or throb. 
I felt a perfect resignation to the will of God, 
so that I could truly say the Lord's prayer, 
Thy will be done. Neither did I feel a spirit 
of mourning, as the world feels, for I was 
sensible my loss was her eternal gain, which 
was to me a consolation. The manner of her 
life, from the time she became a christian, 
was exemplary, she set apart three times a 
day, for private prayer, and I never knew 
her to omit it. And when I was absent, she 
always kept up family prayer. She departed 
this life on the 14th of July 1788. 

«' Lord, she was thine, and not my own, 
** Thou hast not done me wrong : 
I thank thee for the precious loan, 
v I* Afforded me so long.*' XEivfon, 
2 



THE EXPERIEXCE, m. 



PART THE SECOND. 

Containing his Travels and Gospel Labours, after 
he entered the Methodist itinerant Connection, in 
April 1789, until about May 1795. 

IN the forepart of the year 1789, I found 
it my duty to labour in the Lord's vine* 
yard, as a travelling preacher ; having hereto- 
fore considered myself only as a local preacher : 
I therefore arranged and settled my temporal 
affairs, and in April 1789, went to the con- 
ference held at Trenton, for the district of 
New- Jersey, where I was received on trial as 
an itinerant preacher, agreeably to the discipline 
of the Methodist.episcopal church, and was 
appointed to Dutches circuit, state of New- 
York, Accordingly, I took my station. I 
found the circuit was new, and but few con^ 
verted souls on it. 1 road round, and strove 
to regulate the classes ; and my mind was 
much drawn out to preach up sanctificatioi* 
to the people ; but I consulted our presiding 
elder, brother Garrettson, on the occasion, and 
be told me it was not worth while to> preach 
sanctification to unjustified soula. But, at a 
certain place, finding six believers in one class,. 
I thought proper that day to preach sanctifi- 
cation : after I had done, a man and a woman 
told Bje if there was such a blessing to be 



139 

attained they were determined to seek it. I 
toid them, God would as surely sanctify them 
as that they had souls, if they would seek 
and contend for the blessing. 

One morning, the woman went six times 
behind a rock, and prayed, still without re- 
ceiving the blessing ; she went again, the 
seventh time, and the Spirit of the Lord came 
so upon her, that she fell to the ground ; 
and the Lord took away the heart of stone 
and gave her a heart of flesh, and sprinkled 
her as with clean water, and gave her an evi- 
dence that he had sanctified her soul. She 
then went to one of the near neighbour's, 
and the same power came upon her there, 
that had done behind the rock, and they all 
rec eived a blessing, and had a shout among 
them. 

The man, likewise, being engaged for sanc- 
tification, retired one evening to a little mount 
before his door, where he was in great agony, 
and thought he saw the devil stand just be- 
fore him, on the mount ; he arose from his 
knees to go to the house, but on his way de- 
termined that he would not be beat off by the 
devil, and accordingly returned again to the 
mount, where he wrestled with God in prayer, 
until the devil gave way : he then fell before 
God* but how long he laid he could not tell ; 
but when he came to, he knew that God had 
sanctified his soul. 

When I went to my next appointment and 
preached) I saw some littleVigns of good, but 



140 



not much. I met the class and found but 
few, if any, that knew the pardoning love of 
God/ 

Next day 1 went to a place called Dover, 
and preached in the church : here I saw but 
little effects ; I went home with brother YW 
and met class. Here were some precious souls, 
who had a peaceable waiting before God. ; 

Next day I went to Sherron, and preached 
to so large a congregation, that I had to stand 
out of the door. The people were presby- 
teriaris, and knew but little about methodism. 
Here God attended the word with power and 
authority, so that many wept, and some cried 
aloud. Soon as I had concluded, up rose a 
an old man, and began to exhort, with tears 
in his eyes, desiring the people to believe, 
adding, " It is the true gospel that you have 
heard" this day. 55 After him, arose another, 
weeping, and "exhorting the people to believe 
for these were the truths of God, 1 then dis- 
missed the people and returned to the house, 
and about twenty followed me, enquiring what 
they must do to be saved. I exhorted them 
to fly to Jesus the ark of true safety- 
Next day I went to my appointment and 
preached, and saw but little fruit ; a few wept. 
The people here were chiefly presbyterians, 
baptists, and congregationalists. I met the 
class, and found the woman of the house an 
old Israelite. 

Next day I preached to a small congre- 
gation ; the' Lord attended the word with 
power, and seven joined society. 



V 



141 



Next day I went to my appointment, where 
1 found a congregational minister, and the 
greatest part of his hearers. I preached with 
great liberty and care. After dismissing the 
people, a dispute quickly arose and a number, 
both men and women, contended warmly with 
me, without the least regard to order. I was 
obliged to request them, to speak one at a 
time. Our dispute continued a long time. 

Next day I went on, to my appointment, 
and preached : here some wept, I met the 
little class, and found a few that had obtained 
peace. After I had dismissed the class, I 
was attacked by a baptist, who said, " If any 
man says he hath no sin he is a liar, and the 
truth is not in him" I replied, My brother, 
do you live in sin ? Yes, said he, every day. 
Then, said I, I will prove you, by the word 
of God, to be a child of the devil, and an 
heir of damnation : for St. John tell us, He 
that committeth sin* is of the devil ; for this 
purpose^ the Son of God was manifested that 
he might destroy the works of the devil ; who- 
soever is born of God doth not commit sin. 
1 John in. 8, 3. Now, Sc. John or you are 
mistaken ; and I desire to know where you 
keep this devil, that sins in you, whether in 
your heart, flesh or head, or where he is ; 
for Christ and Belial can have no cuncord to- 
gether? This body, or this flesh, cannot com- 
xnit sin without the assent of the will, which 
is the spring of action, and one of the noblest 
faculties of the soul. Try the experiment : 



put your hand to your head, or rise out of 
your chair without the assent of your will. 
He being confounded, and several beginning 
to laugh, arose, and appeared very angry, and 
so withdrew. 

I went to my next appointment, where I 
preached ; some wept, and some sighed. I 
met the class and had a melting time. 

At my next appointment, I preached, and 
the Lord attended the word with power. Some 
were cut to the heart, and cried aloud to God 
for mercy, and we had the shout of a king 
in the camp. I met the class, and two young 
men joined society, who had been, a few days 
before, trying, which could swear the most 
profane oath. Now they both professed faith 
in Christ ; upon which> the father of one of 
them sent him* to their minister to learn their 
articles of faith, &c. &c. He staid four weeks, 
and by that time lost all his desires for sal- 
vation, and could curse and swear as fast as 
ever, for said he, " If I am to be saved, 1 
shall be saved, and if I am to be damned it 
matters not whether I swear or pray."— I then 
turned him out of class. 

At my next appointment, the people were 
chiefly Dutch. I preached to them, and God 
attended the word with power ; many wept, 
and God was with us of a truth : two young 
men were cut to the heart, and cried aloud 
for mercy. When the meeting was oyer, I 
asked them to stay to class, they did so, and 
declared that God had broken into their souls \ 



143 



and, for Christ's sake, had filled them with 
such joy a id peace as they never had felt 
before. And likewise, an elderly woman and 
he' two daughters found peace* 

I went oh tu my next appointment, and 
God attended the word with power ; tnany 
wept ; and one baptist woman, that had fallen 
from grace, was restored to the love of God 
again : I met the class, and invited her in ; 
after speaking to the members, I spoke to 
her; Now, said I, God has shewed you the 
absurdity of your principles ; she replied, I 
renounce them all, and if you are willing to 
receive me, I wish to join your society.* I 
then asked the class if they were willing to 
received her; they said they were, so I ad- 
mitted her into society. 

I preached in Bastoh Row's barn, from 
these words, Not every one that saith unto 
mc 9 Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom 
pf heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my 
Father which is in heaven. Matth. vfi. 21. 
Here the Lord manifested his power amongst 
lis ; J. H. being awakened, desired preaching 
might be at his house : accordingly I went 
there, and preached to a large congregation, 
and God attended the word with power ; one 
young woman fell to the floor, and when she 
arose, she bore a living testimony that God, 
for Christ's sake, had forgiven her sins, and 
sa d, there was not a greater sinner in the 
l>arn than she had been. Many wept, and 
among tne teni^ an old quaker woman and 



144 



her daughter, who went home all bathed In 
tears. Seme days after, she told her sister 
what a strange old man she had seen and heard, 
and that she never had such feelings before 
in all her life ; for she had cried all next day, 
and could not help it. But, said she, I never 
will go to hear him any n ore. John Row, 
his wife and daughter, his brother and his wife, 
and his three negroes, all found the Lord. This 
cay my soul was on the wing, and I formed 
a class, who were mostly Germans. 

Next day, on my way to my appointment, 
I met with brother Garrettson, and went to 
Mr. Sands's and dined : after I had been 
some time in the house, discoursing with the 
people, the Spirit of God came upon me, and 
I asked them if I might go to prayer, which 
was granted, and while I was at prayer, their 
eldest daughter cried out, and an awfulncss 
rested on hei father and mother. After prayer, 
1 was about to set off, but Mr. Sands said, 
S;op a while and 1 will go with you ; 1 did 
so, and he went. 1 preached ; and the Lord 
manifested his presence amongst us: one 
German woman cried aloud, and more were 
melted into tears. Their minister, who was 
a presbyterian, was there, and looked very 
wild, but said nothing. After 1 had got to 
Mr. Sands's, the women before mentioned, 
sent for me ; ?*lr. Sands went with me, and 
when we got there, we found the minister and 
several others, who had all arrived before us. 
1 asked the woman, for what intent she had 



sent for me i she answered, that she had been 
powerfully wrought upon under preaching, 
and that she was a sinner and an undone crea- 
ture, without Christ. I endeayoured to apply 
the promises, and told her that she had now 
here to fly for safety, only to Christ ; and I 
asked the minister, if it were not so ; he re- 
plied, it was : I then went on to urge obedience, 
and the means of grace ; and again asked him, 
if it were not so : he replied, Yes ; but there 
is no living here without sin. I did not like 
to fight, but being challenged, I could not a- 
void it. I then asked him, if he was a minister 
of Christ : he replied, he was* What, said I f 
a minister ami live in sin. Yes, said he. I 
then quoted 1 John in. .8, 9. and many other 
passages, and asked him, what he did with 
liis sins ; he replied, that he set them all down 
to Christ 5 s account. I then quoted a variety 
of other texts ; but he replied, I cannot English 
them, and therefore cannot dispute with you. 
Then, said I, let us pray. I first besought 
God to deliver the women, and then the family 
and minister. I bade them farewell, and went 
to my friend Sands's, who desired me to make 
his house my home white I staid in that quarter. 
I spent the evening in conversing on the things 
of God, and what I had seen of his power : 
they were in tears all the while, the father, 
mother and daughter. Next morning, he said, 
We must have preaching here ; I said, Very 
well, give it out ; he did so, and I preached 
to a large congregation, and the power of the 



146 



Lord was present, and some of the great ones 
of the earth, who were there, wept sore ; and 
1 spoke to them freely, one by one, as if they 
were in class. The two daughters, and them- 
selves found peace, and their son.in-law was 
powerfully wrought upon. I spent many an 
hour with these dear people of God. One 
evening, as 1 was reading a chapter m the 
Bible, the power of the Lord came down on 
us, so that we all cried out, and isaid, Let 
us pray, We kneeled down and prayed, and 
it was a precious time. In the morning C. 
S. said, he never was so happy in all his life. 

Next day, I went on to my appointment, 
where*we had a large congregation ; I preached 
with life and power, and God attended the 
vord with the energy of his Spirit. A quaker 
cirl, was powerfully wrought upon, so that 
every joint in her shook, and she would have 
fallen to the Boor, but four or five took and 
carried her out of the door , when she had 
recovered a little, she went to a neighbour s 
house, and told him that she had seen the 
dreadfulest old man that she ever saw m all 
her life, and that he almost scared her to death, 
for his eyes looked like t wo balls of fire, and 
that she expected every minute he would jump 
at her. But, said the neighbour, I know the 
old man, and he would not hurt nor touch 
you.— 1 went on, and the power of the Lord 
continued amongst us, in such a manner that 
many fell to the floor, and others tried aloud 
for mercy.— One young woman rose and be- 



U7 



gaft to exhort the people ; I stopped preaching, 
which I always judged was best, in similar 
instances* and let God send by whom he will 
send : she went on for some time with great 
life and power, and then cried out, " Let us 
pray.;" we ail kneeled down, and she prayed 
with life and liberty, until she was spent and 
bo forbore. A preacher being present, I called 
on him, and he went to prayer, and while 
lie was praying, three were set at liberty ;■ and* 
after him, myself and others prayed, and several 
received justifying faith. The shout continued 
for the space of three or four hours : after 
meeting broke up, I thought it was not neces- 
sary to meet the class, as we had had such a 
* powerful time, and it had lasted so long 
already*-— -The young woman, who had given 
the exhortation and prayed, took five others 
with her, and retired to the barn to pray for 
the mourners, who went with them, were they 
continued until late in the evening, and three 
souls were set at liberty ; and another, as she 
was returning home, in sore distress, fell on 
her face in the woods, where she continued 
in prayer until God set her soul at liberty 
to rejoice \f\ his love. An old presb) terian 
woman requested me to call at her house, on 
the ensuing day, as she wanted to discourse 
with me on religion ; I did call, and she re- 
ceived me very kindly, and then related her 
conviction and conversion, and added, that 
some years after, God had sealed her his to 
the day of eternity ; and said she, Neither 



148 

our preachers or people will believe me, when 
I tell them how happy I am. I then endea- 
voured to explain to her, the nature of sancti- 
fication, and what it was, and asked her if 
we should pray together ; she replied, With 
all my heart. After prayer I departed in peace, 
having no doubt but what God had sanctified 
her soul and body. She was the first pres- 
byterian that I ever had met with, that would 
acknowledge sanctiEcation, in its proper sense* 
I went to my next appointment, where I had 
put brother G. D. who professed sanctification* 
he was class leader, and the Lord attended 
his words with power. This had brought the 
man of the house, where the class met, into 
doubts, whether the work was of God or the 
the devil; for the people had frequently fallen, 
both under his prayer and exhortation. Soon 
as I came to the hause he related how great 
his exercises had been respecting the work. 
" One day, said he, I thought I would go 
" down to my stack-yard, which stood some 
" distance from the house, and there pray to 
" God to discover the reality of it to me ; 
" and on ray way thither, as I sat on a fence 
" I thought I saw a man sitting on the next 
" pannel; I got off and went down to the 
f< stacks, and the man went with me, side 
" by side, and when I kneeled down to pray, 
" the man stood right before me. I prayed 
" until my shirt was wet on my back, entreat* 
" ing God, that he would give me some token, 
" whereby I might know whether the work 




149 

was of him or not. The man stood before 
" me said. Blessed are those that are pure 
" in heart. 1 then arose to see whether he 
u was a man or not, and went to put my 
" hand upon him, and he said, Touch me 
" not. I then turned myself round, another 
" way, and he stood right before me again, 
" and said several other words, which Ida 
" not relate, and then vanished or assended 
" as in a flame of fire." Now, said I, do 
you doubt about the matter, whether the work 
Is of God or not? No, said he, I have now 
no doubts about it, for God has sent his angel 
to confirm me. I then went and preached, 
the Lord was present. We had a glorious 
time, and several fell to the floor : we had 
a precious time also in class, and two joined 
society* 

Next day I went to my appointment, and 
found a large congregation. I preached^ and 
the power of the Lord attended the word. 
One young man sprang from the bench, and 
cried aloud for mercy, then fell on his knees 
and prayed fervently :*I stopped preaching, and 
when he was done, — I went to prayer with 
him, and after me, several others — many wept, 
some cried aloud for mercy, and others fell 
to the floor. When I dismissed the people, 
to meet class, I invited the young man in. 
Here we had a precious season among the 
dear people of God, and some mourners were 
set at liberty. The young man, soon after, 
Went to his brother-in-law's to make hay, and 

2 



150 



there arose a thunder-storm, and he, being 
under great distress, in the agony of his soul, 
kneeled down and went to prayer ; his brother- 
in-law came to him, and beat him with his 
pitch- fork, and swore that he would kill him, 
if he did not promise that he would not go 
to methodist meeting any more : accordingly, 
he promised him, that he would not go—- 
and immediately he went into deep despair. 
His parents soon found, that his despair af- 
fected him in his understanding, and they 
watched him lest he should make way with 
himself. His mind was wretched and filled 
with horror, and his cry was, that he had 
committed the unpardonable sin. That he had 
sinned against the Holy Ghost ! in promising 
not to go to the methodist meeting any more. 
In this melancholy desparation, before four 
weeks were expired, he stole away privately 
and hanged himself. This was the end of 
that poor unfortunate young man. — How care- 
ful ought parents, and those who have the care 
ol youth under them, to be, when they attempt 
to restrain them in matters of religion, lest 
they bring down their own hairs with sorrow 
to the grave, or are left to relent their own 
imprudent conduct when it may be eternally 
too late. And how must they feel, or answer 
it at the bar of God, who have made them- 
selves instruments in the hands of the devil, 
to restrain youth from the worship of God, 
while thcv have allowed them to live in all 
manner of vice> without restraint ; but alas! 



151 



how many such are to be found, who are 
enemies to God and all good. 

Our quarterly meeting was held at brother 
G,s ; many attended it f and brother Garrett- 
son, being our presiding elder, opened the 
meeting, and administered the sacrament ; we 
had a precious time. In love-feast, many sp©ke 
feelingly of the dealings of God to their souls, 
and seemed lost in the ocean of love : and 
many wept. After love-feast brother J. preach- 
ed, and several exhortations were given and 
we had a precious quarterly meeting. 

Next day, when 1 retired into a private 
room, and poured out my soul in prayer, the 
power of God came upon me in a wonder- 
ful manner, and I went out and told sister J* 
(her husband being absent) that we would have 
a prayer-meeting ; the family came together, 
and among them a presbyterian gril, and the 
power of the Lord came upon them so that 
the girl and family all cried out. I then went 
to my next appointment and preached. Here 
were two baptist men that had been con- 
vinced of the truth of what 1 preached, and 
followed me from place to place. One of them* 
as I was to preach in a baptist settlement, 
invited their minister to come and hear me ; 
accordingly two of them came. I preached 
from these words— By grace ye are saved 
through faith, and that not of your selves, it 
is the gift of God. I endeavoured to show 
that the graces of the Spirit were the gift 
of God, Neither of the preachers said any 



15% 



thing; but one of the men arose and said, 
Do not let us ever say any more, as we have 
done, in our church, that we cannot do any 
thing; but that we will not do any thing* 
Here I met with an old Whitefieldlite, who was 
exceedingly happy ; he told his experience, 
and said," It was ihe case in Whitefield's time, 
about forty five years ago, much as it is now, 
in the divine power attending the word preach- 
ed. The minister perceiving they were in 
danger of loosing these members, one of them 
went home with one of the men, he being a 
rich man they were loth to. give him up, and 
tarried with him all day, avid at night the 
other came and tarried until morning, but all 
to no purpose : he determined to go and hear 
me again, and invited the minister to go with 
hiiru " They both set out, but the minister 
seeing he was not likely to prevail, turned 
another way, and he came to meeting, where 
we had a precious melting season, in waiting 
before God. After preaching, I desired all 
those who had a dtsire to join society, to 
stay in class with us ; accordingly the baptist 
man and some others staid in. I met society, 
and we had a precious time amongst us. He 
and three others joined society ; one of them 
I advised to betake herself to her fathers barn, 
as a place of prayer and retirement, and there 
frequently to supplicate the throne of grace, 
and I did not doubt, but before that day four 
weeks, she would receive the pardoning love 
of God ; but she neglected it from day to day, 



until one night she dreamed that she saw the 
elements all on fire, and that it broke out on 
Fish-kitl-mountain ; and that she saw the Lord 
appearing with all his mighty host to judge 
the world, that the fire had reached one of 
their fields, and drew near the house, and that 
she was unprepared to meet God. Her 
screeches and screams alarmed all the people 
in the house ; she sprang out of bed, and they 
did the same : it was some time before they 
could convince her, but what the day of judg- 
ment had in reality commenced- This in- 
creased her distress, and soon after, she found 
peace to her soul. 

At my next appointment, I had a baptist 
preacher to hear me — many wept — I told him 
to wait ; and any well disposed person might 
do the same. When I spoke to the leader, I 
found him to be a caivinist, and asked, who 
made him a leader ? They said, brother Tol- 
-bert. I told them, that it would not answer 
to have a caivinist to lead our people. Then 
said he, I will go out of society. I said, Very 
well : and I crossed out his name, and put 
in another, that was settled in our doctrine— 
I pressed sanctification on them, and the Spirit 
of God came upon one woman, so that she 
trembled every joint in her body, and soon lost 
the use of speech, and continued so for some 
time. 

I desired the people to look to themselves, 
for they now saw, with their bodily eyes, how 
God was at work : they stood amazed ; mean 



while the power of the Lord struck a baptist 
woman t© the floor, and when she come to, she 
exhorted the people to believe, for, said she, 
I am as happy as I can live. When the metho- 
dist woman came to, she said, God had sancti- 
fied her soul. We had a blessed time, and I 
was happy in my soul. 

Next day, I met brother Garrettson at 
brother B 5 s on Fish-kill-mountain, and held 
a love-feast : brother G. opened it ; and after 
handing about the bread and water, the people 
spoke feelingly of God's dealing with their 
souls, and we had a melting time with them— 
after love-feast, brother G. preached and I 
exhorted. When I came to this circuit, there 
were but few that knew the Lord, and when 
I left it, I think there were about one hundred 
that had found peace in Him, of whom Moses 
and the prophets wrote. We had nine in this 
place, when I came on the circuit, and we 
now had forty added. I took one hundred 
into society on the circuit. We had many 
precious times here. One day we had two 
baptist preachers present, and I preached up 
holiness, and the Lord attended the word with 
mighty power, and we had a glorious time. 
One of the preachers told me, that I had given 
them, and ail the people to the devil, by preach, 
ing up holiness, and freedom from sin : for, 
said he, I sin every day, I then reasoned the 
matter with him, and said, If you are a preach- 
er of God, let us unite and preach down sin, 
where ever we find it, for St, John says, lie 



that committeth sin is of the devil; and what 
will you make of that ? By this time, a large 
number was gathered about us. I told him 
that the will was one of the greatest faculties 
of the human soul. Now, said I, let me see 
you put your hand to your head without the 
approbation of your will ; or any one of you, 
either sit down or rise up without the ap. 
probation of your will : a baptist young man 
said it could not be done, but his wife* said 
it could ; he desired her to do something with, 
cut the consent of her will ; but she confes- 
;cd she could not. The baptist preacher said, 
he had learned something that he never knew 
before. We parted in good friendship, but 
the old preacher staid, and spent the evening 
very friendly ; I trust he was a well- wisher 
to the cause of God. 

Next morning, I went with Brother Garrett* 
son, to New-Kochelle quarterly meeting, 
where I preached from, Whom he did pre- 
destinate % them he also called, &c* Several ex* 
hortations were given, and we had a peaceyble 
waiting upon the Lord. Next morning, Bro- 
ther Qarrettson opened the love-feast, and 
many spoke feelingly of the dealings of God 
%q their souls ; after love-feast one preached, 
and several gave exhortations, and we had a 
peaceable waiting on the Lord. That evening, 
there came as many as twelve to me, and 
said, that they wanted clean hearts : Well, 
gaid I, if this is your desire, I have no doubt 
but you will receive the blessing before you 



156 



leave the house. I began to tell them what 
the Lord was doing, and what 1 had seen of 
his work through the. land, and exhorted them 
to let every breath be prayer, a* if it were 
the last ; and then gave out a hymn and went 
to prayer, and four of the men fell to the floor, 
and struggled, about as long as they would 
have done" if their heads had been cut effs 
this frightened the women, who thought they 
never would come to ; but I told them there 
was no danger, and exhorted them to be en- 
gaged withGod for the blessing, and that 
1 had no doubt but that he would sanctify 
them before they arose from the floor. They 
lay near one hour, and then one of them turned 
him ^e if and began to praise God, who had 
sancufied his soul and body ; and then an- 
other, and so on, till they ail four professed 
sanctification ; then shouted and praised God 
for what he had done for them. I exhorted the 
remaining eight to be much engaged, and the 
Lord would sanctify them also ; they wept 
much, but did not receive the blessing. There 
was a girl, about twelve or thirteen years old, 
that was struck down when the men were j 
but no notice had been taken of her ; after- 
ward 1 called for a light to see where she 
was, and when we found her, she was laying 
in the corner of the house like a dead person. 
I told them to let her alone, and the Lord 
would justify her soul: she lay about three 
hours, and when she came to, she said, the 
iQord bad pardoned her sins* and she had such 



157 



* peace in her soul, that she never felt before, 
We then all joined in singing and prayer ; and 
then parted, it being about twelve o'clock at 
night. In the morning, one of the women 
that had sitten by, the evening before, and 
seen her husband sanctified, was determined 
to have the blessing or die. She afterwards 
told me, that she eat no breakfast, but re- 
tired to her chamber and wrestled with God 
until near night, when the power of the Lord 
came upon her, and struck her down, but how 
long she lay, she could not tell ; but she 
knew that the Lord had sanctified her souL 
I went on to my next appointment, where 
J preached to a large congregation ; for the 
alarm had spread far and wide. When I came 
to my application, the power of the Lord 
came down, and about a dozen fell to the 
floor, and there was weeping and shouting, 
and praising God all through the house. Some 
were justified, some sanctified, and others 
seemed lost in the ocean of redeeming love, 
One of our brethren, that day received the 
witness or testimony of the Spirit, who was 
sanctified some days before, but had been 
afraid to own it, for want of a clearer mani- 
festation. 

Next morning, I went to my appointment, 
where I was to have a watch-night that even- 
jihg: abundance of people were gathered. I 
preached, and three or four gave a word of 
exhortation : several cried out. When the 
meeting broke up, a voung woman, the duugh- 



158 



ter of one Kinsey, a quaker, came to me, and 
requested me to preach at her father's; fop 
she had dreamed the night before, that if % 
\i-ould preach there, the Lord would sanctify 
her soul. I told her to have an appointment 
made for next day. Accordingly 1 went and 
preached, and we had a precious time. After 
dismissing the people, I called the members_ 
of the class together, and while exhorting of 
them to sanctification, the hand of the Lord 
came upon the voung woman, and likewise 
on her mother, 'but not so powerfully as on 
the daughter ; however, the young woman 
continued screaming and screeching, and cry- 
ing for purity pf heart, until the old friend, 
her father, grew impatient, and came into the 
room where we were, and said, " The Lord 
Is not' in the earthquake, nor in the whirl- 
wind, but in the still small voice :" 1 replied, 
Do you know what the earthquake means? 
It is the mighty powerful thunders of God's 
voice from Mount Sinai ; it is the divine law 
to drive us to Christ ; and the whirlwind, is 
the mighty power of conviction, like the rush- 
ing of a mighty wind, tearing away every false 
hope, and stripping ps of every plea ; but, 
Give me Christ or else I die: with that he 
left us. "When his daughter came tp, she pro- 
fessed sanctification ; then she enjoyed the Lord 
in the still small voice. The mother seemed 
to believe, and not believe : one minute, say- 
ing she did, and in another, unbelief coming 
in and telling her it was not possible the Lord, 
should do so much for her, she again doubted 



159 



Next morning, t went 6n to another ap* 
|>ointment, at Brother Lyon's. I took my text 
lind preached, and the power of the Lord was 
felt amongst us by many ; brother Lyon's 
daughter, and another young womari, were 
both struck down to the floor. While I stood 
looking on, one df them appeared to have 
& degree of glory in her countenance, and lest 
my eyes should deceive me, I asked a man 
by me, if ever he saw any mortal face shine 
like hers t he said he never did. Many that 
had run away from the meeting, swore that 
they would do terrible things to me 5 how- 
ever, I escaped for that time, thanks be to 
God, 

t Next day t went to tfiy appointment, and 
had a pretty large congregation ; for they never 
had seen any thing like this, and probably, 
curiosity brought many. I preached with life 
and power ; and one of our local preachers, 
caught of the Spirit, and went on, Jehu like, 
and did me much service. There were three 
or four justified, and one sanctified, and the 
saints were built up in the most holy faith. 
One woman fell on the hearth in great ex- 
tremity of soul, I met the class, and the dear 
people spoke very feelingly, and no harm 
was done to us by the wicked. 

I then went to my next appointment, where 
I was threatened hard by the children of the 
devil, what they would do, if there were such 
a work as at the first meeting ; but this, far 
exceeded the former ; one woman fell to the 



160 



floor, and cried out, " I see the Lord Jesus 
in his beauty ! (repeating it, I believe, twenty 
limes) but not with these bodily eyes, but 
with the eye of faith ! n An old man also 
fell in one corner of the house, and made a 
great uproar. A soldier, who stood at the 
door, wept bitterly. Here 1 expected harm 
would be done ; but there was none, to my 
knowledge. After public meeting, I met the 
class, and all was well. 

I went to my appointment next day, where 
I found many assembled. I preached, and 
God attended the word with power. Here 
a laywer was convinced of the reality of re- 
ligion, and we had a good meeting. In the 
evening many came to see me, and to talk 
about religion : I told them what I had seen 
ia various parts of the Lord's vineyard 

Next morning, I rode to another appoint- 
ment ; the congregation consisted chiefly of 
dead, irreligious church people. I saw but 
little fruit of the Spirit among them; though 
I was enabled to preach the plan of salvation 9 
and to give them gospel warning. 

I went to my next appointment, on the 
borders of Connecticut, and preached to a 
cunning, hard-hearted people, and stiff- necktd 
predestinarians. I met the class, which was 
very small in this place. 

Next day, I had a crouded house, and four 
or five preachers were present ; I preached, 
and several of them exhorted ; the woman of 
the house said> she expected we are going 



161 



to storm hell. Some cried out under sore 
distress. 

Next day I met brother G. In the middle 
of my discourse, the Lord preached from 
heaven , some cried aloud, and some fell to 
the floor. Two professed that God had par- 
doned all their sins. Here I fell in with a 
man, the greatest Scripturian that I had ever 
seen. He told me, that he had offered to 
engage, for a certain consideration, to get the 
Scripture by heart in one year ; and if he 
failed, he would forfeit double the considera- 
tion. Brother G. went on, till he got to general 
Copelin's ; and I went to the widow Smith's 
and preached — met class, and had a comfort- 
able time. Here I met with Catharine Van 
Wick, an Israelite, in whom, I believe, there 
was no guile ; &he professed holiness, and I 
believe she enjoyed it. 

Next morning, I set out for my circuit- 
went to my appointment, and found a con- 
siderable number gathered. Here were a good 
many baptists, but God worked, and many 
cried out. I met the class, and had a melting 
time among the little few that waited on the 
Lord. Several baptists made intercession for 
me to preach in their neighbourhood, about 
one mile and a half distant. I had a meeting 
appointed, and preached there, and I trust the 
word did not fall to the ground ; but that 
good seed was sown in that place. 

I went next day to another appointment, 1 
preached, met the class, and had a good tim%> 

2 



162 



The people gave great attention. I then went 
to Salsbury, and preached to a large con- 
gregation. There, some dear old white-headed 
men, whose silvered locks where in full bloom 
for the grave, cried as if they had been whipped* 
Indeed, the word is a rod of correction. One 
young man, was so powerfully wrought upon, 
that he came to me to know the reason ; for 
said he, I have heard that text preached from 
many times, but it never had such an effect 
on me before. I told him, the eternal God 
was at work with him, and now was the time 
to make an application to the Lord, that he 
might bless him. Here the woman of the 
house, was the most uncommon, cunning, re. 
ligious person, that I had met with. We had 
a good time in class. 

At my next appointment, I preached to a 
small congregation in a baptist settlement. 
Here a predestinarian preacher attended, and 
seemed very friendly ; but after meeting the 
class, I enquired into his character, and they 
informed me that he lived about half a mile 
from that place, that he had two wives, one 
an old woman, and the other a young one * 
the old one lived about a mile and a half 
from him, and the young one with him. Well, 
said I, do you call him a good preacher ? 
They said yee, they thought he was ; I told 
them that he was a preacher for the devil, 
and an heir of damnation ; and I warned the 
Hiethodists against hearing him, at the peril 
of their souls. 



163 



I went next day to my appointment, preach, 
ed in the evening to about five hundred people, 
and among them were two ministers ; several 
were cut to the heart, and thirteen or fourteen 
came to join society ; we took them in, and 
spake as kindly to them as we could, they 
being only young in the way. 

At my next appointment, I preached to a 
crowed house. Here was a baptist preacher, 
who invited me to dine with him ; I met the 
class, and had a precious time ; then I went 
home with the minister, who used me kindly. 
Next morning, I went early to my following 
appointment, having a good way to ride ; 
when I came there, I found that Mr. Steel, 
a presbyterian preacher, had appointed a meet- 
ing at the next house, a little Way off, at the 
same hour ; I told the man of the house, it 
was not worth my while to pretend to preach, 
the people being chiefly presbyterians, and 
but three or four methodists. ' Accordingly 
we went to hear; his text was, Ask and ye 
shall receive, seek and ye shall jind, knock 
and it shall be open unto you. In the first 
place, he invited and commanded them all to 
believe ; under the second head, he told them 
who it was that might ask ; and said, who 
was believers, God's chosen people ; under the 
third head, he spoke comfortable words to 
God's people, and so concluded. After he had 
done, I stepped up to him and said, How 
do you do Mr. Steel ? Said he, " I do not 
know you." I told him I was a preacher ; 



164 



««I hope, said he, "you preach the truth. 
I told him, I should begin in about fifteen 
minutes. I suppose I had about five times 
as many to hear me, as I should have had, 
if it had not been for his preaching ; for the 
whole congregation, and himselt with them, 
Tame to hear me. 1 took for my text the words 
of Pilate to our Saviour, What is truth ? 
This text Mr. Steel had given me, by saying, 
«« I hope vou preach the truth » If ever I 
preached with the Spirit, I did at that time. 
The people cried out, and Mr. Steel seemed 
exceedingly uneasy, and would walk to the 
£e and then back again ; then another would 
; r y'out, and he would scratch or rub his head, 
like a man confused and perplexed. Ida- 
missed the people, met the class and had a 
peaceable waiting before the Lord. 
V I next, went to esquire King's, on Mount- 
Washington, and preached to ■ . fine r conge- 
nation, considering the place, and we had a 
Secious time. In class, a young man prayed 
? ry powerfully, and m such a manner that 
I concluded, in my mmd, he would be a 
preache? ; and so it proved, for he shortly after 

^ne^lvTfwent from the Mount to 
anSer appointment, where I found the man 
Tfriend to P methodism, but the woman an 
Lemv The people came out, and I Poached 
Tthem ; theyVp^ to be a hardhearted, 
stiff-necked set. 



m 



My next appointment was at brother Wag* 
er's, where I preached to a large congrega- 
tion. We had a powerful time, some cried 
aloud for mercy, and others shouted praises 
to God for redeeming love. I met the class, 
which was large. Here I found a precious, 
loving people, and had a powerful melting 
time among them. 

I went next day, to captain Salbury's, where 
I had a pretty little congregation, who gave 
good attention to the word spoken. Some 
wept, some sighed, and others groaned. I 
met the class, and found some precious souls, 
happy in thtir God. 

I went next, to Doctor Hambleton's, and 
preached to an attentive congregation. I met 
the class, and had a melting time. 

My next appointment, being in Albany, and 
the river being so full of ice, I was informed 
that I could not cross, so I went home with 
a friend. In the morning there was made a 
great roaring fire, just before we went to 
prayer ; and a young man, that stood on the 
hearth, after we had sung and kneeled down, 
began to totter, and at last fell into the blazing 
fire ; our friend, seeing him fall, sprang and 
pulled him instantly out again. After prayer, 
I asked him if he was subject to fits ; he 
said, No : I asked him if his soul was con- 
verted to God. He said, he did not know 
that it was. I then told him, that I knew 
it was not ; and besought him to call upon 
God to have mercy on him, adding, that he 



166 

might fee exceedingly thankful fee wai but 
of hell. It was owing, providentially, to that 
man's pulling him out of the fire, or he would 
have been beyond the reach of mercy. Hts 
body would have burned to death, and what 
would have become of his soul ? 

Next day, 1 went to my appointment, where 
1 had a tolerable congregation ; but a mixed 
multitude of presbyterians, baptists, and 
methodists. I preached, and had a peaceable 
waking upon God ; but I cannot say that much 
good was done. I also met the little class. 

Next dav, my appointment was at a tavern-— 
I saw the* people frequently running in and 
but of the bar-room, and 1 soon discovered 
that this was no place to win souls— 1 told 
them, that 1 Would preach there no more. 
One of our friends gave leave for preaching 
at his house. 1 met the little class up stairs. 

I set out for my next appointment ; 1 haft 
been previously informed, that 1 was going 
to a rtest of hornets ; when 1 arrived at the 
place, 1 found a large congregation gathered, 
and 1 preached fiom the day arid the Fdtter. 
I discovered while 1 was speaking, that several 
Sat as on nettles and thorns ; however 1 . went 
on and Bnished my discourse, and immediately 
was attacked by some of them. They asked 
me if the meeting was over— 1 told them yes. 
Then about half a dozen, began to dispute j 
for in my explaining the text, 1 tore old Calvin 
up, from the very bottom. We continued 
©ur dispute from the time that meeting broke 



«p wntil about eleven o'clock at night. 1 told 
them to speak only one at a time, and they 
\yould last the longer— one of them asked me 
what I would do with this text— Whom he 
did foreknow, &c. 1 told him to spread it far 
a.nd wide, that, on that day four weeks, 1 would 
preach from the very words. At the time ap* 
pointed, hundreds came together, and 1 preach- 
ed from the words. They were exceedingly 
attentive and listened with all the powers they 
had. After J. had concluded, and dismissed, 
them, they said, if J. had heat them in argu- 
ment, 1 had not in judgment. In a short 
time afterward,, about thirty joined society 
and talked of building a meeting-house. * 
1 went down to captain S — -*?h, and told 
him that it he could get a place, in a certain 
town, about two miles distance, that 1 would 
preach there. He asked me, if \ would preach 
in the presbyterian meeting-house, if he could 
get it, 1 told him Yes. He got his horse and 
r ode to the minister, and asked him if he were 
willing to let a pious old man preach in hi§ 
ipeeting house, as He was just going to leave 
the parts. He said, he was, if the elders were ; 
Jje then went to them, and obtained thsir con- 
sent. Accordingly I preached, and the people 
gave great attention. After preaching, 1 told 
them that if they were willing, that" \ would 
preach there again on the Monday following, 
<^n predestination, as it was a spare day with 
ipe. Accordingly, \ preached at the time ap- 
pointed, from If ham he did foreknow, he 



168 



oho did predestinate, he. The preacher came, 
with his pen, ink, and paper, and sat behind 
me in the pulpit, and began to write ; but 
in a few minutes got lost and confustd, and 
laid aside his pen and ink, 1 went on and 
finished my discourse ; the people gate great 
attention, and 1 saw some weeping in the 
galleries— after 1 had done, the preacher rose 
up and said, « This fellow has had my pulpit 
* two davs ;" then said to me, 1 want to 
a know if you hold to the fall of man ?" 1 
answered, i appeal to this people, if ever it 
were preached fuller from this pulpit, than 1 
have this day preached it. He then asked 
me, if 1 held with the main heads of the West, 
minster confession of faith. 1 told him, No. 
He then got out his articles, and began to 
read them*; but the greater part of the people 
followed me out of the house. 

The Saturday and Sunday following, we 
held our quarterly meeting at brother Wager's, 
On Saturday, one of the preachers preached, 
and there were several exhortations ; we had 
a melting, precious time among the people of 
God. Sunday, we had a good many friends 
at love feast, considering it was a new circuit ; 
and after handing the bread and water about, 
there were two or three prayed, and brother 
Garrettson set the friends to speaking their 
experiences, and many spoke feelingly. 1 a- 
rose, and claimed the promises, that God would 
sanctify his people, and besought every person 
to be engaged for the blessing, and to take 



109 



ti© denial, but have it to-day ; and the power of 

the Lord came down, first on brother S~ '$ 

daughter, then on his wife, then on a black 
women belonging to the house; there were 
three sanctified in a short time, and we had a 
most blessed, precious, powerful time in waiu 
ing on the Lord. 

We now set out for conference, which was 
to be held in the city of New- York. We 
i had several love-feasts as we passed along : 
and when we came to the city, we met, and 
joined with our brethren there. Our con- 
ference went on from day to day in brotherly 
love and unity ; there was preaching by one 
or another every night. I was sitting one day 
in the kitchen, where I put up, smoaking my 
pipe, being tired of confinement in conference 
so long, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon 
me in a miraculous powerful manner, so that 
I was fully convinced, that something great 
would be done at the conference. Next day f 
Bishop Asbury opened the love-feast ; then 
brother Whatcoat spoke ; and when he had 
done, I arose, and told them my experience ; 
the people gave great attention, and when I 
came to the account of my sanctification, down 
dropped one of the preachers, and did not rise 
until the Lord sanctified his soul. I then 
claimed the promises, and in a mo uent, the 
house was filled with cries, and screeches, and 
wonderful shouts! Several went among the 
people, to those whom they found in distress, 
to admonish, exhort, and pray with them, 



1T0 



Afterwards, six told me, that God had sancti- 
fied them ; and I think, seven, that God had 
justified them. Three had to he carried home 
that evening, who were not able to go of them- 
selves. 

After conference, I went to my appointment 
in Newburg circuit ; I called at a presbyteriaa 
elder's and preached in his house, and held, 
a love-feast at a tavern, where we had ^ 
very powerful time: four or five were sancti- 
fied and three or four justified. 

Next, I went to Field 3urress's, a place 
where there never had been preaching •': here 
God laid to his helping hand, several cried, 
aloud for mercy, while the sinners outside, 
roved round the' house like wolves ; after they 
were a little pacified, I dismissed the people. 

jjext day, I went on to my appointment 
where I found a clever little congregation, . 
and one of the most happy old men that I 
had ever seen. I preached to the people, and 
had as happy a meeting as I ever had ; for 
if the Lord had not withheld his hand, I could 
not have preached. After preaching, I met 
the class, and one half of them lay on the 
floor ; the sinners around looked like death, 
and I exhorted them to fly to Christ ; telling 
them that they need not say, Who shall ascend 
into heaven to bring him down ? or who shall 
descend into the deep to bring him up ? for if 
they would not believe this, they would not 
believe if he were to appear in a flaming fiery 
bush, as he did to Moses. Every time I 



171 

^readied in th r s place, we had a shout in the 
camp. Que -.'day* an old baptist man said* 
You have stripped me of every principle I 
had, and what do you advise me to do? 
Daddy, said I, it is never too late to turn from 
bad to good % he said If you would always 
Stay on the circuity I would join with you j 
That, said I, is a trick of the devi! 5 you will 
always have as good preachers as I; Well, 
said he, set my name down ; and he desired 
to have a day of fasting and prayer, and they 
appointed the Friday following. When I came 
round again* they told me that it was the 
greatest day they had ever seen, that the slam 
lay for hours on the floor. 

I went on to my next appointment, and 
preached : the power of the Lord was present 
to heal ; some professed sanctification, and 
some justification, and many others wept. I 
met class, and several joined society, and a- 
tnong the rest an old presbyterian,*that had 
been a steady attendant, and nobody thought 
tie ever would join us. I examined him closely 
as to his experience, and finding that he held 
our principles, I advised the class to have him 
for their leader, as they had no suitable person 
among them for that station ; so he was put 
in leaden 

^ Next day, being excessively cold, I had to 
ride twelve miles to my appointment, where 
I found a clever little congregation, and a 
baptist preacher with them. I warmed myself, 
and then preached from these words, Blessed 



are the pure in heart, for they shall see Ootf. 
While I was speaking, the minister appeared 
to be quite in an agony, he was so angry 5 
notwithstanding, God blessed many of the 
people. When I concluded, the minister a- 
rose and asked me if the meeting was ended. 
I said Yes. He then said, As a servant of 
Jesus Christ, I cannot but contradict what has 
been spoken. It is true, the words of your 
text are Chrises, but there b no such things, 
in this life, as a purity of heart ; for we cannot 
live, in this life, without committing sin-— and 
you spoke, as though a man made himself 
pure in heart. I said, I appeal to this people, 
in what way and manner I preached. First, 
I shewed that no man by nature was pure 
in heart ; I then shewed, that a man was justi- 
fied by an act of free grace ; and afterwards 
that he was made pure in heart, by the Holy 
Ghost given unto him. Now, if you are a 
minister of Jesus Christ, preach down sin to 
hell from whence it came, and preach up holi- 
ness of heart. I then went into the other room, 
and called the class, and we had a precious 
time among the dear people- I found that 
they did believe, that it was their privilege, 
to be made pure m heart. 

I went next day to my appointment, and 
preaching not being until candlelight,, and a 
quaker meeting being in sight, I thought I 
would go to quaker meeting. There ^ere 
two girls and two men spoke ; one of the young 
men, I thought spoke feelingly ; but as to* 



173 



the others, there was no religion in what they 
said, that I could perceive At last an old 
man got up, and leaning on the top of his 
cane, said, M We are too apt to be running 
after the Lo-keres, and Lotheres, and so went 
on with such like strange talk. When their 
meeting broke up, 1 took an opportunity to 
speak with the young man, and asked him, 
why he broke off so soon, for I knew there 
was more, where that came from. Said he, 
I will come and see thee in the evening ; I 
thanked him and told him I should be glad 
to have some discourse with him — so went 
to my appointment, and in the evening preach- 
ed, and had a peaceable waiting upon God» 
In my discourse I told the people, that the 
scriptures were the standard, and if our expe- 
rience did not come up to that, it was not 
genuine : therefore, we .must try ourselves by 
the touchstone of truth. One young quaker, 
after the people were chiefly gone out, said, 
Did I understand thee ? Why ? said h Did 
I not hear thee (said he) say that the scriptures 
were the word of God ? Why, said I, no 
body denies that. Yes, said he, I do, and 
defy thee to prove it. I then began with John 
In the beginning was the word, and the word 
was with God, and the word was God, he. 
Now, said I, my dear, is not this the word 
of God. He could not deny it ; but said he 
We, as a people, deny the bible being the 
word of God. Next morning, an old preacher 
came to see me, and I said to him, one of 

2 



m 

your young men surprised me fast night y Hov* 
so ? said he y Why, said I, he said, you as 
a people, denied the bible to be the word 
of God — and St. Paul says, All scripture is 
given by inspiration of God> &c. The old 
man looked confused, Why, says he y we be- 
lieve the scriptures to be the declarative word 
of God. 

I went to my next appointment, and preached 
to the people ; we had a precious, melting 
season ; I met the class, and we had a com* 
f or table time among the dear people ©f Godi. 

I went to my appointment at brother I Elli- 
son's, near Ne w - Winsor. This man has built 
us a preaching house at his awn expence, and 
a pretty little one it is. He took me into a 
Iback room,, and said, " If you go on, as people 
say you do r you will drive ail the people 
* 4 away, for which I should be sorry \ for I 
44 have a great regard for your society, and 
** and have built you a preaching house." J 
told him, we must leave the event to God \ 
4>ut he seemed very uneasy, 1 still told him* 
that vve worild leave the matter with God. 
There were in class, at that time, not above 
ten persons, and before 1 left the circuit, there 
^vere above forty. Here something happened 
©ne evening very uncommon^ as brother Brush 
was preaching, the candies on a sudden be* 
came dim, and they gradually grew dimmer^ 
until they went entirely out. This was inter, 
preted many ways, as though it were an omea 
q£ some strange event. However, k might 



m 



readily be accounted for, from natural causes % 
the room being so exceedingly close, with the 
doors and windows shut, that a sufficient 
quantity of air could not come in. The per. 
spiration and breath of the people, together 
with the burning of the candles, producing so 
great a dampness or contamination of the air s 
as to destroy or deaden the flammability ; and 
consequently, the candles might be thus ex* 
tinguished. 

I had told the people, that I would preach 
on predestination; a great number gathered, 
and 1 preached accordingly : many were strip, 
ped of calvinism, and two joined society ; on© 
of them became a great advocate for our cause, 
Here we held our quarterly meeting, and we 
had a large congregation. In the love- feast, 
after handing the bread and water about, the 
people spoke the clearest of justification and 
sanctification, in point of distinction between 
them, of any I had heard in those parts. About 
thirty had professed sanctification, from the 
time 1 went on the circuit till then* 

Here, brother Anthony Turck found the 
blessing. At this meeting, about six or sever* 
were sanctified, and as many justified,* The 
hour of preaching coming on, the preaching 
room could by no means contain the people, 
we therefore, had no retire to a large barru 

* The transcriber has been informed, from good 
authority, since the death of Mr. Abbott, that sixteeo 
Sauls were that day sanctified, instead of s.x cr seven 
tod a much larger number justified. 



176 



Brother Brush preached, and after him an 
exhortation was given. After meeting, I went 
to an appointment at Newburg town, and 
preached to a pretty large congregation, chiefly 
presbyterians, I met class, and found them 
Very lively and happy in the way of salvation. 

Next morning, 1 went on to my appoint- 
ment, at S. Fowler's ; he is a precious man, 
and his wife is a daughter of Abraham. X 
preached from Rev. v. 1—5. and the Lord 
attended the word with great power ; many 
cried out, and fell to the floor ; and several, 
when they came to, professed that God had 
sanctified their souls. One woman, lost the 
use oi her limbs for three days ; her husband 
wept much, thinking he had lost his wife ; 
however, at the end of three days, she came to, 
and was as happy as she could live in the 
body. At this place, we hardly ever failed 
having a powerful time of the out-pouring of 
the Spirit of God. The following day, I preach- 
ed at my next appointment; some cried a- 
loud, some fell to the floor, and others fled 
for fear. We had a most powerful time, and 
two joined society. Next morning, an old 
Irish woman came to me, being convinced 
of her backslidings, to know what she should 
do to be saved ; for said she, I knew the 
Lord to be precious to my soul about fifteen 
years, but in coming from Ireland, I sinned, 
and lost it ; and from that time, I have never 
had one ray of divine love, although twenty- 
five years since. I said, you are out of hell ! 



Iff 



Call upon the Lord to have mercy on you ! 
After exhorting her, she went away ; the next 
news that I heard of her, she was in black 
despair, and so continued. I went to see her* 
and prayed with her, but all to no purpose t she 
departed this life in about three months after* 

I preached in the evening, and we had a 
precious, melting time ; the woman of the 
bouse said, she never had seen such a time 
before: I spoke from these words, Buy th& 
truths and sell it not. 

I went next morning to another appoint* 
ment, with the man qI the house and his wife } 
they had been old moravtans— I preached to 
the people, and God attended the word with 
power ; some cried, some shouted, and others 
fell upon the floor. Upon the whole, we had a 
wonderful shout in the camp : some opposers 
got very angry and run away. I met class, and 
we had a heavenly time ; here the old moraviaa 
man and woman both got very much tried. 
She told the people that she hoped the Lord 
would give me to see my error before I died ; 
but, blessed be the Lord, he gave them to 
see their error before I came round again. 

I went to my next appointment, and had 
a small congregation, in a baptist settlement, 
were some fruit appeared. I met the class, 
which was small, but they were a precious 
people. 

Next day I went to another appointment 
and preached ; some cried for mercy. I met 
class, and had a happy time. 



m 

Next day I preafcW, and the Lord gaVS- 
jme great liberty ; many cried aloud. In the 
dass I found a precious people. 

Next day* my appointment was at brdtftef 
Dayton's, where the meeting house was built 
by the baptists and method ists • each were 
to take their turns ; but the baptist preacher 
erat angry, and said he would not preach therg. 
any more, if the methodists did> I preach^ 
the people seemed very attentive* and much 
tendered — X met the class, which was large* 
and we had a precious time, A small dispute 
arose here : a young woman had married out 
of society, and I told her to come forward 
and answer the charge j and she said, that 
she thought we would not turn her out of 
society, for marrying a member of another 
church— I told her no, if he were a regular 
approved member of another church. She 
said he was a member of the quaker society* 
and so the matter ended. I then went through 
the class* many spoke feelingly, and some 
that had lately received large manifestations 
of the grace of God, seemed altogether lost 
in the ocean of love. 

I went to my next appointment, and before 
the people gathered, I was telling some pre* 
sent, what had happened in my travels ; and 
that I had once taken a man by the hand, 
and said, God out of Christ is a consuming 
fire, which fastened upon him so that after 
he went home, and was in bed, in the night* he 
arose from his bed, expecting every moment to 



m 



be damned, as he was out of Christ; however, 
jie never give over struggling and praying till 
God blessed his sevri. While I was telling 
this, a young wqifian came in, and it fastened 
on her heart so, that she went home immediate* 
|y in sore distress of soul 1 preached to the 
people, and af'er dismissing them, met the 
class ; we had a very precious melting time, 
and many of them spoke very feelingly of the 
Sealing^ of God to their souks. After dis- 
missing the class, the man of the house, said 
to me, Let us go and see the girl that Went 
away before preaching : We went, and found 
the house full of people ; 1 preached to them, 
and many hearts were tendered, for the Spirit 
of God attended the word* After meeting, 
I was invited to stay ail night, which 1 con. 
sented to— 1 laid in the same room where 
the old people were, and in the dead hour 
of the night, 1 heard the old woman cry out, 
Hannah I Hannah !— 1 listened, and soon heard 
the voice of prayer in another room. 1 said, 
Mammy, let her alone, she will do well enough; 
for she was praying to God for mercy. How- 
ever, the old woman continued to call, and cry- 
out, until the girls came running into the room, 
saying, Mammy, pray for us ! Daddy pray 
for us! or we shall be damned this night J 
They arose from their beds, and began to pray, 
I suppose, the old man had never prayed be- 
fore, since God make him. The old woman 
said, We must have the preacher up ; but by 
that time, i wa& ha£f dressed. 1 went ti) 



180 

praver, and believe the girls would have found 
peace that night, but 1 had no one to help 
jy K : i pr; y d, until 1 was exhausted. How. 
ever, the old man, his wife, three daughters, 
and two sons, were all brought in shortly after. 
Paul may plant, and A polios water, but God 
giveth the increase. All glory be to him alone. 
Next day, 1 went to my appointment at 

brother O 's, and preached to a large con- 

gregation in the barn ; God attended the word 
wiih power. One old presbyterian grew very 
angry, and said 1 ought to be kicktd out of 
the place ; an old woman stepped up to him, 
and said, 1 am a baptist, and j ou a presby- 
terian, and if 1 ever heard the truth preached, 
1 have heard it this day. 1 went to the house, 
but the old man seemed mad enough to in. 
jure me. Here we had made great improve, 
ment among the Germans ; brother G. D— — 
had got among them ; we had a very com- 
foi table waiting in class before God, and some 
joined society. 

It was now time to repair to our quarterly 
meeting, which was held at brother Dayton's. 
Brother Brush preached on Saturday ; after, 
ward some exhortations were given On Sun. 
day, in love- feast, after handing about the 
bread and water, the people spoke feelingly, 
considering their inconvenient situation in a 
private house, with three or four rooms on 
a floor, and a great number in the place. 

Here X will relate an occurrence, which, 1 
think is wortb noticing. Brother Woolsey's 



m 

Son, Thomas, and two of his cousins with 
him, went to the barn, and there wrestled with 
God in fervent prayer sometime ; afterwards 
came to the house, and the power of the Lord 
came upon them all three, in such a manner, 
that they fell to the floor, shouting and praising 
God, and they continued till almost day ; God 
sanctified another man, while he lay in his 
bed, as he told me afterward ; also, Elijah and 
Chloe. son and daughter of brother Woolsejr t 
received the blessing of sanctification : there 
were now five, in two families, that professed 
to enjoy that blessing. They set up prayer 
meeting, the people attended, and the Lord 
blessed them in it : ten, twelve, or fifteen have 
been justified in one meeting, and several 
were sanctified. 

While I rode on that circuit, I took be- 
tween eighty and ninety into society, and saw 
thirty souls sanctified ; but I believe more than 
double that number were sanctified on the 
circuit, while I rode there. When I left it t 
the work was going on with as great rapidity 
as ever. 

It may not be amiss, here to relate a narra- 
tive, that I had from a pious woman, con- 
cerning her brother. He was a young man t 
that had openly, and publicly espoused deisti- 
cal principles, asserting that there was no place 
of future punishment, or in other words, no 
hell, his conduct corresponding with his prin- 
ciples ; and being possessed of a very hand- 
some eatate, he soon wasted his constitution 

Q 



by intemperance : finding it decaying very fast, 
he was advised to try the sea, in order to 
repair it again. Accordingly, he took a pass- 
age with an old pious prcsbyterian captain, 
that kept up prayer on board, and with whom 
he often disputed the point, asserting, that he 
did firmlv believe, that there was no hell, or 
place of future punishment. However, they 
had not been long at sea, before the Lord 
sent down a mighty tempest, as he did on 
Jonah ; all human probability of surviving was 
taken away ; the captain perceiving their im- 
minent danger, began to exhort thtm to pre- 
pare to meet God, when, to his great sur- 
prize, the first man that bawled out, was Mr. 
No-Eeller. The captain, being a steady, firm 
man, turned to him. and said, What is the 
matter with you ? I hope you are not afraid 
to die? I thought you told me, that you 
verily believed that there was no hell— Oh I 
said he, all baihed in tears, wringing his hands, 
it will do well enough to talk about on land, 
but it will not do for'a storm at sea ! How- 
ever, it pleased God to spare them, and to 
bring them all safe home again ; and he, find- 
ing his health a little recovered, began to be 
ashamed cf his testimony at sea, and soon fell 
into his former excesses again, which brought 
on his old complaints ; he was reduced to a 
sick bed, and all hopes being gone, as to his 
recovery— -he began to seek God in earnest— 
and the" Lord in his infinite mercy spoke peace 
to his soul. He continued happy in his love, 



183 



aborting them that came in his way, against 
ail such diabolical principles : he departed this 
life in a transport of joy, and, I trust, rests 
where the wicked cease from troubling, and 
the weary shall forever be at rest. Oh 1 that 
every deist, and unbeliever, were convinced 
that his principles will not do for a dying bed, 
or a j udgment day S The most heroic infidels 
tremble' at the approach of death ! 

I set out for conference, and came down 
to general Copeiin's, where I preached, and 
the power of the Lord attended the word ; 
many wept, and we had a precious time. 

I went* on, and overtook brother G. and 
we rode in company to New-York, In our 
conversation together, he asked me if I de- 
sired we might have such a meeting as we 
had there the last conference. I told him, 
1 did, and that we might have a much greater. 
Why, said he, there were but a few individuals 
who liked it. Oh ! how this struck me, that 
he, who was once so active in it, should now 
appear to be so much the reverse. However, 
I told him, that it was of God, and that 1 did 
desire to see a much greater work* But I 
soon discovered, that there would be nothing 
great done, there was such a division of senti- 
ment among the preachers about the work. 
We had some love feasts as we passed along; 
brother G. opened them, and mam spoke their 
experiences- I observed, that on this journey, 
I was not called upon, either to preach, pray, 
or exhort. Howeyer, this was no great cross 



184 

to me, as I was much broken down; just 
coming off my circuit. We went into the city 
of New-York, and the next day, conference 
was opened: wc went on, very lovingly in 
the affairs of the church, from day to day, 
until it came to the appointment of our love- 
feast— Then it was brought on the carpet, 
by brother R. Cloud, concerning the love- 
feast, at our last conference. He said that 
I hollowed, and bawled, and cried Fire, Fire ! 
and scared the people. Then brother G. got 
up, and seconded him, and opposed the work 
with all the powers he had ; brother J. Lee, 
said he was happy in the love-feast. The 
bishop said, he did not want to hear them 
" hollow and shout and bawl but he wanted 
to hear them speak their experiences. I said, 
Then, perhaps I had better riot go to love- feast* 
I was not the least angry ; but I was grieved 
in soul for the cause. Our appointment was 
up at the new meeting-house, and abundance 
of people gathered — The bishop opened the 
love-feast, and when the bread and water had 
gone round, and the people were at liberty 
to speak> not one spoke for some time. Then 
brother Garretson got up^ and exhorted the 
people y and then brother Cloud exhorted them 
likewise ; but all to na purpose — Among the 
several hundreds present, there were but a 
few that spoke. For my part, I kept silent 
under much depression ot mind, not feeling 
much faith or liberty of spirit, After some 
exhortation, the meeting broke up— Many of 



185 



the friends, afterward, told me they felt death 
in their souls, and came to me to know what 
was the matter— I told them simply, that 
brother Cloud had said, that there was no 
good done at the last conference. love-feast ; 
but there were, to the best of my recollection, 
six who told me, that they were sanctified, 
and seven that they were justified, at that love- 
feast. Brother Morrel said that this last love- 
feast was the most dead and lifeless love-feast 
that ever had been in York before. I under- 
stood that the preachers, in discoursing to- 
gether, acknowledged that they had been wrong 
in what they had done and said on the sub- 
ject. Oh I how careful ought the preachers 
to be, how they censure or speak against a 
work, merely because there are some things 
attending of it, which are not exactly agreeable 
to their views or wishes — Great harm may be 
done by unguarded expressions, or opposi- 
tions. We should learn to bear and forbear 
and to make every necessary allowance. 

I received my appointment on Long- Island, 
and accordingly took my station. The next 
day, I preached to a small congregation with 
life and power ; the Lord attended the word 
with success ; some young ladies, were cut 
to the heart, and one gentleman cryed out 
for mercy, and before meeting ended he found 
peace and joined society. 

Next day, I went to New-Town. Here we 
had a preaching house, and a few people, but 
very deadt I preached to them, and saw but 



186 

little fruit ; I met the society, and exhorted 
them to get more religion y and urged thenv 
to seek sancufication-. This, I believe, is the 
eldest methodist society on the Island* 

I then went to my appointment at Jamaica* 
a very wicked little Town, and preached in 
the evening, in the Free-Mason's Lodge- room,, 
a very convenient place. I spoke with free* 
-dom ; but some of the children of the wicked 
one, bein^ vexed, blew a conk-shell round i the 
house while I was speaking- I met the little 
class, which was only three in number : I 
found that their eyes were in part opened* 
but they knew not God. 

I went to my appointment, at a clever pres* 
fovteriar/s ; his wife also was a clever woman ^ 
l>ut thev knew not God. I preached, and 
the Lord touched the heart of their daughter,, 
she cried for mercy r and continued until God 
set her soul at liberty. I met class, and several 
spoke feelingly of the dealings of God to their 
souls. 

Next day, 1 met class not far from Rock- 
Way meeting- house, and had a middling time r 
considering the society had been on the de~ 
cline for two years* 

Next day, I preached to a large congrega* 
tion, and there seemed to be some little move 
among the people , however,, I hope to sec 
better times. 

I then went to an appointment at brother 
Ray nor y s at Hampstead-Souih, where I preach- 
ed with some degree of freedom j but cannot 



m 

my with as much life and power as usual. 
After preaching, I met class, and had a tolerable 
waiting before God ; some spoke feelingly of 
the things of God, and others were very tender. 

I went next day, to a little town, called 
Jerusalem (but not the city of the great king,) 
and preached to a small congregation of hard 
hearted sinners, and back-sliders After preach- 
ing, I met class, which consisted of about half 
a dozen j here it seemed to be dead work. 
I retired into a back room, and poured out 
my soul before God, for them. Then I went 
off of the Brushplains, and preached to about 
a dozen ; this was hard work* I dismissed 
the people, and met the class—here I found 
a dear old German and his wife* 

Next morning, I went to my appointment 
at Z. Nail's, and preached to a small con- 
gregation : here I endeavoured to give old 
Calvinism a stroke. I tarried all night with 
brother Nail. There being no class here, I 
desired brother N. to give out preaching in 
two different places, against I came round 
again. 

I- went on to my appointment at Patchog f 
and had a clever congregation. Here was a 
meeting-house built for the use of every so- 
ciety — I took my text. Examine yourselves, 
whether ye be in the faith ; prove your own 
selves. &?c. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. 1 endeavoured to 
show the necessity of so doing, because many 
false teachers had gone out into the world, 
teaching damnable heresies, denying the Lord 



188 

that bought them, A baptist preacher being 
present, he appeared to get very angry, and 
rose up, and contradicted me. 1 told him 
to sit down, and I would talk to him bye- 
and-bye ; he did so, but it was not long be- 
fore he rose and contradicted me again. I 
desired him to sit down till I was done, for 
it was beneath a gentleman to act so ; he then 
sat down and was quiet I went on and finish, 
ed mv discourse and dismissed the people— 
I then told him, that I was ready to hear him, 
he might now rise and clear up what he had 
said. 'He spoke: and after he had done, I 
endeavoured to clear up what I had said, and 
added, Tell all your neighbours, and those 
around you, that this day four weeks, 1 in- 
tend to preach a sermon on predestination. 
I then went home with Mr. S at Blue- 
Point; he was an advocate for religion, but 
a stiff antinomian. 

Next morning, I went on to Mr. Leeke s, 
a presbyterian, at Middle-Island, and preached 
to an attentive little congregation, who had 
very little religion among them I asked Mr. 
Leeke, what sort of people I had to preach to 
next day ; he told me, they were all calvimsts, 
and in a baptist meeting-house. Said I.Hotr 
long have our preachers preached there ? _A- 
bout three or four years, said he. What, 
said I, and no converts ? No, said he. 1ms 
will never do, I shall not preach long there s 
said I, without some fruits. 



I went, next day, to my appointment, at 
the baptist meeting- house. Here I found a 
clever congregation, to whom I preached. A£> 
ter meeting, a number came round me, and 
said that I had given them all to the devil. 
Given you all to the devil ! Why, what sort of 
people are you, said I, that I should give you 
all to the devil ? I give no Christians to the 
devil ? I told them, that that day four weeks 
I would preach a sermon on predestination, 
I went to my appointment, at brother Brush's, 
at Wene- Comae k ; there we had a preaching- 
house, and I preached to a large congrega- 
tion, with much liberty. After preaching, I 
met the class, and found some souls happy 
in God. This is the oldest society we have 
on Long-Island, excepting the one at New- 
Town. 

Next day, I went to my appointment, where 
I found a small congregation, and had a pre- 
cious time both in preaching, and in class. 

Next day, I went to brother B 's ; some 

wept under the word. After preaching, I 
met the little class, and endeavoured to press 
them to seek after sanctification ; but it seemed 
to them as an idle tale. 

I went to my next appointment, where the 
power of God struck a baptist preacher's 
daughter, and she cried for mercy, and an- 
other young woman did the same. The 
preachers's daughter went home, saying that 
I preached hell and damnation, and that there 
was no mercy for her. — I told the people, 



19© 



it was not our doctrine at all* nor any thing 
like it : We preach free grace, and free mercy 
to penitent sinners. The other, after some 
prayers, found peace, and in class joined 
society s we had a precious time. 

Next day, 1 went on to another appointment* 
had a small congregation, and about fourteen 
or fifteen members of society. After preach- 
ine, I met class, they spoke yery fee ing.V 
of the dealings of God with their souls. I 
then went to brother Cole's, and met class, 
in the evening ; there we had a powerful time, 
many spoke very feelingly, and we had a great 

T2t, next day, to the ^r-Mill, f 
Hamostead Harbour, and preached with great 
freedom ; God attended the word with power, 
and many wept, i met class, and had a very 
precious time. 

Next day, 1 went to sister Serring s, (an 
old widow woman, at Serring -Tow..) and 
preached in the meeting-house, to a very at 
fenuv* congregation, and met c ass ; they 
spoke of the dealings of God to their souls, 
and I was happy in my own soul. Here Mr. 
G 's daughter, asked me to preach at her 
father's. I thanked her, and told her to have 
it given out in four weeks. I went on to my 
appointment at Jamaica, and preached with 
Efc and power ; two woman fell to the Boor ; 
the wicked sounded their horn round the 
house ; however, this did not hinder our meet- 
ing— two were brought into covenant. 



I went to Mr» C- f s, and preached to a 

Wicked set, at candle-light ; here I endeavoured 
to frustrate old Calvin. I then went home 
with the class-leader, found him to be a cal- 
yinist, arid that he was very much disquieted 
and offended. From thence I went over to 
York, and told the Yorkers that he was no 
inethodi&i, and that i would not preach there 
any more while he was in society. 1 then 
returned and went to the place where 1 began 
my circuit. Here, while I rode this time 
round the circuit, there were four or five 
added, 

Next day, 1 went to New-Town, where X 
found brother M S D. who had moved there 
from the Jerseys. 1 put him in class-leader 
over the black people. He held prayer-meet- 
ings from house to house, and a revival soon 
took place; though not without some opposi* 
lion from the dead or lukewarm methodists. 
However, 1 told him to go on— Here, while 
1 was preaching, God laid to his helping hand 
and we had a shout in the camp ; and the 
Lord laid his hand on an old negro man, 
who shook for about one hour, and then pro- 
fessed to have received the blessing gf a pure 
heart : he had been in the way of religion 
about thirty years. 

1 went to Jamaica, and brother Woolsey 
jmet me there. 1 had very strange feelings, 
and retired in secret— brother W. retired also^ 
and when he came back, 1 have, said he # 
prangs feelings that 1 cannot account for, un? 



less something great is to be done this even; 

jng a certain gentleman's daughter, about 

seventeen or eighteen, a cripple, who had been 
brought there in a httic waggon, also said, 
she had strange feelings, that she could not 
account for. I preached, and the people kept 
lauehing and talking at a most wondeiful wick- 
ed rate ail the time— when 1 was done, 1 de- 
sired brother- T. Woolsey to give an exhorta- 
tion ; but they talked and laughed louder than 
ever. 1 sat down, and besought God with 
all the faith 1 had for help; all at once, 1 felt 
jny hair rise with the power of God — Im- 
mediately 1 critd out, for God to strike them 
down to the -floor! with that, they tumbled 
over the benches, and one over another, and 
ran and hurried out a I fast as they could, and 
©ever stopped uniil they were out in the street. 
The next meeting we had there, the rumor 
having so spread, that we had all the grandees 
of the Town ; it was on a day, that they had 
been running their horses, and two horses had 
been killed, ' by running one against the other, 
and the liders had like to have shared the same 
fate; but in a few weeks they recovered— 
1 preached to the people, and the mob threw 
stones and broke the windows— one stone 
weighed seven pounds, but it happened to hit 
the casement, and so hurt nobody— I advised 
brother Dudley to set a watch, and to endea- 
vour to find the wicked unprincipled sinners 
out. It may be observed, that no one, pos- 
sessing the principle of a man, will ever will: 



193 



Ingly and deliberately disturb a religious so. 
ciety in its excercises of public or private 
worship. They are the beasts of the people^ 
wanting of breeding, civility, and religion. 
May the Lord pity, and have mercy on them. 

Next day, I was conversing with brother 
Dudley on the subject, and told him, we were 
in a free country, and it would never do to 
be so served — while I was speaking, in came 
the sheriff, being very angry about the usage 
we had received, and said, he was going after 
the disturbers. He mounted his horse and 
off he went, and soon brought one of them 
before a justice of the peace, and he was fined 
five pounds. The others came and acknow- 
ledged their faults, and we forgave them \ 
judging, that the fine of the first man might 
suffice for the present, as a warning to the 
others, and being in hopes, that as they were 
humbled, they would do so no more. Here, 
notwithstanding the malice of wicked men and 
devils, we formed a society of nine persons, 
who all professed faith in Christ, before I left 
the circuit. 

I went on, to my appointment, at Rock way, 
which was the time of our quarterly meeting. 
I preached on Saturday, and some others gave 
exhortations. Sunday morning, we opened 
our love-feast ; and, after handing the bread 
and water about, many spoke very feelingly 
of the dealings of God to their souls After 
love-feast, I preached, and the Lord laid to 
his helping hand, and sent the truth home 

R 



194 



to the hearts of the people, with the energy 
of his holy Spirits-some fell to the floor ; some 
ran for the door ; some fell over the benches j 
some cried aloud for mercy, others were re. 
ioicing in God their Redeemer, and a numbei? 
lay about the floor under the operation of the 
mighty power of God, as dead men and women. 
There being a quaker preacher present, when 
he saw many about to run oft, he arose and 
exhorted the people not to go, nor be scared, 
adding, It is the power of God : The Lord 
is in this place ! Blessed be the Lord, he 
has some witnesses for Jesus among ihem, 
and would to God there were more such. 
I continued to speak, until I was spent, and 
unable to speak any more; I then stepped 
out of the stand, and brother P. took my 
place, and in a short space, the people were 
quiet, and not one was to be heard, in all 
the congregation, crying to God for mercy : 
the enemies of truth, then said, that Abbott 
bad raised the devil, but P. had laid him a- 
gain. After the exhortation, we concluded 
the meeting. 

Monday, I went tp my appointment, and 
preached to a hard-hearted people ; but I had 
liberty in speaking, and hope some good seed 
was sown. After meeting, an African, asked 
$ne if 1 would go to their meeting, which 
consisted of Indians and Africans, who pro- 
fessed themselves to be congregationers : I 
told him, I would ; and accordingly brother 
N. and I went. The man, who had givea 



195 



toe the invitation, told me that they knew 
nothing of our hymns, and requested me to 
tell them to sing their own. When we ar- 
rived at the place, we found them gathered ; 
accordingly, I told them to sing their own 
hymns ; "they did so i and when they had done, 
1 kneeled down to prayer, and some cried 
out, and others fell to the floor. When I a- 
rose, I gave an exhortation, and many fell 
to the floor ; some cried aloud for mercy, and 
others clapped their hands for joy, shouting, 
Glory to God ! so that the noise might have 
been heard afar off. I was as happy among 
these Indians and Africans, as 1 could live 
in the body. God is no respecter of person ; 
but all them, who fear him and work right- 
eousness, of every nation are acepted of him. 
This meeting continued for some hours , at 
length, the Lord in a measure withdrew his 
Spirit, and so we parted. 

I went, next day, to S. Abbotts ; a number, 
both of Africans and Indians, that I had seen 
the day before, at their own meeting, attended. 
I preached, and the Lord attended the word 
with power : some of the whites cried out, 
and many of the coloured people did like- 
wise. After preaching, I gave them an in- 
vitation to stay in class ; they did so : after 
speaking to the whites, I spoke to them, and 
many of them testified clearly of the gracious 
of God with their souls — This was a new 
place, where preaching had never been before 
I came to the circuit : now I had thirteen 



joined in class, and the most of them pro* 
fessed faith. 

Here something strange turned up, which 
I will relate. A next door neighbour was 
deranged in her understanding ; which was 
occasioned, as it was thought by an Indian 
girl, who belonged to her, hanging herself: 
the woman thought that it was her ill-usage 
to the girl that made her hang herself ; this 
so affected her, that she lost her reason ; and 
now, her friends were obliged to watch her 
continually, for fear she should put an end 
to her existence, in the same manner that the 
girl had done. I went to see her, and strove 
to encourage her to a composure of mind, 
by applying the promises of the gospel ; but 
I fear to little purpose. How careful ought 
those to be, under whose care other people's 
children are placed, to use them well, and 
bring them up in the fear of the Lord, lest 
they rise up in judgment against them, in 
the great day of accounts. 

There came to me an old Indian woman, 
who told me that she had been under sore 
distress of soul ; and, said she, " I went into 
" the woods and prayed, on my knees, to 
" God, that if he would have mercy on a poor 
" Indian, to give me a sign ; and after some 
" time, I fell on my face, and prayed on, and 
u I saw something like a sun settle down close 
" by me I prayed on, and saw something like 
u one sun more come r I prayed on, and there 
* c came something like another sun> and then 



197 



u there were three great lights, like stfns ; I still 
" prayed on, poor Indian prayed on for a sign, 
" and all the suns went away ; and then I 
" thought I saw so clear, that I could see to 
" the end of the world : and then there came 
" such a light and glory, that I felt it all 
44 through my body and soul, and it filled 
44 me with joy, and love, and peace : now, do 
44 you think that poor Indian is converted V* 
I said Yes, and exhorted her to be obedient 
and faithful, and told her that God would da 
greater things for her yet* She appeared to 
have faith in Christ. I felt very happy, while 
she related this to me. 

Next day, I went to Patchog ; and though 
it was the height of harvest, as 1 had promised 
to preach on predestination, it brought the 
people together, without regard to business, 
I preached according ta promise, and we had 
a melting time, and some cried out. When 
I had done preaching, I read the rules oi so- 
ciety, and. made such observations on our 
discipline, as I though necessary ; and then 
desired as many as believed the doctrine that 
I had delivered, to follow me to the house : 
about fifty or sixty did so, and fourteen joined 
society* Our preachers had preached at that 
place, most part of the time, for near four 
years, without being able to form a society. 
I went home with my old antinomian friend, 

Mr. S , who told me, that after all their 

cavils and disputes, on what they had heard 
on predestination, that it generally had been 
2 



198 

acknowledged by them, that it was the truth* 
In that place, the people had meetings among 
themselves, for twenty-three evenings v and it 
was judged, by some, that there were one 
hundred and fifty souls converted to God % 
but this I leave to the day of eternity. 

Here I met with Ruth Jones : she had, I 
think, the best memory of any woman that I 
ever had met within all my travels* She had 
joined society, was a great Scripturian, and 
a strong advocate for the truth, 

I went to my next appoint ment r where I 
found three baptist preachers, and one presby- 
terian preacher. I was under great exercise, 
it being in a baptist meeting-house ; however, 
I concluded I would preach the truths as it was 
in Christ, and leave the event t© God. I 
went in ; and after singing and prayer, I gave 
out these words. The gifts and calling of 
God are without repentance* I had great liberty 
in preaching, and saw some fruits of the Spirit 
among the people; but I observed an uneasi- 
ness among the preachers. After I had done, 
I asked the baptist preachers, severally, if they 
would sing and pray ; but they alt refused p 
I then asked the presby terian, and he replied* 
I will join you : so l" sang and prayed, and 
then dismissed the people. One of the baptist 
preachers, Mr. C. said, In fifteen minutes I 
shall begin, and asked me to stay and hear 
him : I told him . that I could not, as I had 
twenty miles to ride; and so left them. Mr. 
kake informed me> that after I was gone, he 



m 



preached predestination on the highest key ; 
and that as soon as he had done, the people 
arose, and universally testified their abhorrence 
to the doctrine ; and one man said, Mr. C r 
your preaching is an abomination : I know 
it to be so in my family ; for my children are 
now men and women grown, and if I reprove 
them for sin, let it be what it will, their re- 
ply is, It was so ordained, and if we are to 
be saved, we shall be, do what we will ; and 
if we are not to be saved, it is in vain ta 
try : We can do nothing. 

At my next appointment, I found the people 
gathered, and among them, a Mr. H — a 
presbyterian minister : 1 sang, prayed, and 
took my next, and felt greaft liberty in speak- 
ing ; the power of the Lord arrested one sinner* 
so that she cried out for mercy. After I had 
done preaching, and before I had time to dis- 
miss the people, Mr. H. arose, and said, Is 
this meeting done ? 1 said, Yes ; with that, 
he said — You are an old deceiver, you have 
preached false doctrine, and you are a liar 5 
for you have preached, that a man may live 
without sin ; but I say, no man can ; and 
be that says he is without sin, deceives him- 
self, and is a Bar, I let him go on y while 
I was folding down several leaves of Scripture, 
on sundry texts, in order to support what I 
had advanced : when he had done, I arose ; 
and, at that instant, he sprang for the door, 
and hasted away : the man of the house went 
after him, near one hundred yards, saying. 



£00 



Come back, Mr. H. but all to no purpose* 
for he still went on, without paying the least 
regard to his being called. However, as soon 
as he was gone* an elder took up the matter, 
but soon found himself at a loss $ but, in order 
to make the best of the business, one oi his 
friends replied, Mr. S. is not prepared, at 
present, for argument- Wnat then said I, 
does he come here for ? and why does he 
take the field of battle, without arms. A 
man should always be armed, that means to 
fieht; and to begin a battle, without being 
prepared for the attack, discovers great folly. 
Another man standing by, who was intoxi- 
cated, said (clapping his hand upon his breast) 
I have that witbfe me that cannot sin < 1 
then replied, I smell a stink of liquor ! Liquor ! 
..aid he, I have not drunk one drop ol rum 
to day; but, said another bv-stander, such 
a neighbour tapped a hogshead of cider to-day. 
So it appeared that he was quite drunk on 
cider, instead of rum, which is one and the 
same abomination in the sight of God. Ytt, 
poor man, his principles led hirnto boast of 
Something within him that could not sin } 
though he could get drunk. Can a man be 
an inward saint and an outward sinner ? Can 
he serve God in his heart .by faith, while he 
serves the devil outwardly m his life ? Unee 
a child of God, always such, do what they 
will l Mav the Lord pity all those, who are 
under such dangerous delusions 1 1 hey sco» 
were out of the door, disputing, until they. 



m 

gave each other the lie ; and I was afraid there 
would be blood spilt among them : for one 
man swore that he would lose every drop 
in his body, for the doctrine that he had that 
day heard; but it ended in words without 
blows, for which I was thankful~*I then left 
them, and went with Mr. W — who told 
me he had sitten twenty- five years under Mr. 
H — , and never knew before, what principles 
he held ; but, said he, I am now done with 
him ; and soon after he joined society. I went to 
his brother T. W — >'s, where I tarried all night. 
I went next morning, to brother Hobbs's. 
Next day, was our quarterly-meeting* and a 
great many people came out ; here I met bro- 
ther Whatcoat and brother Morrel j one of 
them preached, and the other exhorted. Next, 
day, brother Whatcoat opened the love -feast £ 
and after the bread and water vrere handed 
round, divers young converts spoke very feel* 
ingly of the goodness of God, and his dealings 
with their souls : we had a precious time. 
There was a large congregation, and one of 
our brethren preached, and the other gave an 
exhortation; we had a solemn, and I trust, 
a profitable time to many souls, 

I then set out for conference. While I 
travelled that circuit, I took between eighty 
and ninety members into society. May the 
Lord record their names in the Lamb's book 
of Life, and save them in the day of eteraity I 
Amea 



m 

I attended York conference, where, I trest 
the affairs of the church were settled in brother. 
S love, the Bishop observed, that he never 
had heard so many speak of sanctification m 
this place before ; may the Lord increase their 
number! I told the bishop that it had been 
abTut nine years since I was round the Salem 
circuit, to see my children in the gospel and 
that I desired to go there: he replied, You 
mav go, and ride there this winter. Accord- 
ingly, I set out for Philadelphia on my way 
to my circuit; when 1 arrived ,n the city, 
the bishop told me that 1 must preach m 
the evening. Accordingly, 1 attended Ae 
church in Fourth-street ; where, after singing, 
1 kneeled and prayed, but did not attempt 
to take a text or preach ; for under prayer 
the power of the Lord descended on the people 
n such a manner, that some fell to the floor 
under the operation thereof ; the cry of 
mourners, and the joyful acclamations of the 
christians, were so great that 1 could not be 
heard. Many cried aloud, and among them 
was brother Cann, one of our preachers who 
was wonderfully overcome by the divme 
power; when he came to, he stepped into 
the desk, and publicly acknowledged that he 
had ever been an enemy to people s crying 
aloud, or making such a noise m public wor- 
ship ; but that he then could not help it him- 
self • that he could no more refrain from crying 
aloud, than he could from dying, if God were 
to send the messenger of death, to arrest his 



$03 



body. Brother M'Claskey went through the 
house, among the mourners, praying for, and 
admonishing ali that came in his way, and 
requested me to do the same ; accordingly, 
1 left the putpk; without attempting to preach, 
and followed his example. Our meeting con- 
tinued until near eleven o ? clock. No doubt 
that meeting is well remembered by many of 
our friends in Philadelphia — O may its good 
effects be seen in eternity. It was a gracious 
time to many souls ; several professed justis 
ficaUon, and some sanctification. 

SALEM CIRCUIT. 

After 1 left the city, 1 took my circuit at 
brother Clark's, about eleven miles above 
Salem, where 1' preached and the Lord at- 
tended the word with power ; one sinner 
trembled, every joint in him, and 1 expected 
he would have fallen to the floor ; but he fled 
out of the house* with trembling and astonish, 
nmcnt. 1 met class, and had a precious time, 
among my old friends. 

1 went to my next appointment, in Hains ? s- 
neck, where 1 saw some fruits of the Spirit^ 
under the word. 1 met class, had a precious 
lime. 

On Sunday, 1 went to Penns-neck meeting- 
house, where 1 met with a large congregation, 
consisting of my old friends and children is* 



204 



the gospel. There, the Lord manifested his 
presence among us, to the joy of many souls ; 
for my own part, if the Lord had not withheld 
his hand, 1 could not have preached. In class, 
several were so lost in the ocean of love, that 
they could not speak : such a melting time, 
I had seldom seen. 

In the afternoon, 1 preached at Salem, to 
a large congregation, and felt freedom, in de- 
livering the word ; 1 met class, and had a 
peaceable waiting before God. 

1 preached at brother — 's, met class, 
and found thev had grown cold in religion, 
and to the things of God. May the Spirit 
of the eternal God, stir them up to more 
diligence J 

At the widow - -'s, I had a crouded 
house, and the Lord attended the word with 
power, and several appeared much affected. 
In class, I pressed sanctification, or holiness 
of heart, on them ; we had a comfortable wait, 
ing, and our souls were refreshed with the 
love of God. 

1 went to brother Swing's and preached 
to a congregation, mostly presbyterians ; and 
although 1 saw but little fruit, yet 1 felt a 
freedom in speaking; and hope it will not be 
altogether labour lost. In class, several spoke 
feelingly, of the JUord ? s dealings with their 

souls. . 

1 went to brother T — 's, who informed me, 
that they had not had a preacher for eighteen 
months, although they had a class of fifteen 



205 



or sixteen members. We had a crowded house ; 
I spoke with freedom, and the Lord was pre- 
sent amongst us, to the joy of many souls ; 
In class, we had a melting time. 

Next day, as the people had but little notice 
of my coming, I had a small congregation : 
however, I preached to them, and hope that 
some good was done : there we had no class. 

I lodged at Mrs. W 's ; and in the morning 

they set me over Morris- River, and I went to 
the church, where I met a large congregation, 
to whom I preached; the Lord made bare 
his arm, and many, both saints and sinners, 
cried aloud. There I met many of my dear 
old friends, whom I had not seen, for about 
nine years ; divers of them were as happy as 
they could live. I remembered several of them, 
who had possessed sanctification, when I was 
amongst them in years past : some had re- 
tained it; but others had, in a measure, lost 
the witness. Blessed be the Lord, for what 
he has done, and is still doing, for the in- 
habitants of Morris- River. At brother Barlow 
William's, they had but little notice of my 
coming ; however, I spoke to tjie few who 
were present, and met class ; several-spoke 
freely, and appeared in a measure happy. 

Next day, at Mrs. H 's, I spoke with 

great liberty ; many wept, and some cried a- 
loud. I met class, and we had a shout in 
the camp of Jesus; some fell on the floor; 
and one woman gave us an exhortation: it 
Was a good day to many souls. 

S 



306 

I went to brother Goff's, where we had a 
eood time. I impressed sanctification on them, 
with all the power and ability that God had 
given me. There, I met with many of my 
old friends, and was happy to find that God 
had not only preserved them stedfast in the 
faith, but had added many to the church. 

I went to Esquire Cresey's, on Cape May ? 
There, I found, they had been without a shep- 
herd, for about eighteen months. They had 
not much notice of my coming ; however, 1 
preached to the few who met. The member? 
of societv, present, still professed faith, and 
spoke freely of the dealings of God with their 
souls ; yet acknowledged, great deadness foe 
want of preaching. ^ 

I went next to brother G 's. I found, 

since 1 had been there last, that the univer- 
salians had made a great rent in the baptist 
church ; several of them came out to hear me, 
and I felt much freedom, in declaring the truth 
of God unto them; though I saw but little 
or no fririt of the Spirit : as we had no class, 
1 dismissed the people. A baptist man tarried 
behind, and said to me, I do not know what 
to do; for my neighbours were formerly 
baptists, and a praying people ; but since 
they have turned universahans, I do not know 
one of them that is a praying person. 1 told 
him, that I could give him no better advice, 
than old Joshua's resolution, Let others dp 
as they mav, to be sure and serve God him- 
self. We 'spent some time to gausiaction, in 
conversing on the things of God. 



«G7 



I preached in a baptist meeting-house, on 
the upper end of the Cape, but did not feel 
that liberty in speaking which I generally had ; 
owing, I believe, to a feeling sense of a spirit 
of contention amongst them. After preach- 
ing, the people began to dispute about the 
pews i one said, he had hired this, and an» 
other that pew ; and that such and such should 
not sit in them. I told them, that I had noth- 
ing to do in the matter, for I was only on 
sufferance myself, and therefore, not a suit- 
able person to interfere in, or to settle a matter 
of that nature, I met the class, and found 
them, likewise, all in confusion about a poor 
person, that was half Indian ; and some of 
them, having more pride than religion, could 
mot stoop to set in class with him : and to 
cloke the matter a little, they had raised several 
objections against him, and without support- 
ing any thing, insisted on my expelling him ; 
"which, I refused to do, as there appeared a 
good testimony in his favour, and that he was 
of an orderly life and conversation : at which, 
two of them determined to withdraw from 
society, and desired me to cross their names 
off the class paper ; I did so, and thus the 
matter ended. 

I went to W. T -'s, and preached with 

liberty, to a small congregation, I met the 
class, and there appeared but little life or 
power among them. I exhorted them to seek 
for more religion, and to press forward for 
sanctification. 



208 



At Tuckehoe meeting-house, I had a large 
congregation, to whom I preached with liberty ; 
I met class, and we had a melting time j 
many spoke feelingly, and I pressed sanctifi- 
cation on them. 

At my next appointment, I found a poor, 
but a blessed people ; there the Lord laid to 
his helping hand, and attended the word with 
power ; some cried out, some fell down, and 
others clapped their hands and shouted for 
joy : we had a shout of praise in the camp 
of Jesus. I met class, pressed them to seek 
sanctification, and was uncommonly joyful at 
seeing how happy those dear people were. 

I then went to brother E. Budd's, where 
the Lord attended the word with power ; 
many cried out, and some fell to the floor, 
I met class, or rather attempted to meet it, 
ior I had not spoken to above two or three, 
before the Lord met them in such power, 
that several fell to the floor, and we had the 
shout of a king in the camp — And many shouted 
aloud for joy : for the people shouted with a 
loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. 
Ezra chap. rn.'ver. 12, 13. This meeting 
continued from 11 o'clock, until night, 

I then went to brother A -'s, in Deer- 

field, and preached in the evening, to a hard- 
hearted set; however, I was enabled to de- 
clare the counsel of God, although I did not 
feel that freedom that I usually felt. Some 
testified of the goodness of God to their souls 
in class. 



209 



On Sunday, I preached with freedom in 
Broad-neck meeting-house ; some wept. In 
the afternoon, I went to Murphey's church, 
in Pitts- groye, where I met a large congre- 
gation. God attended the word with power, 
and we had a precious time in class. 

Monday, I went to Malago, a new place, 
and preached ; there I saw some fruit of the 
Spirit. 

Next day, I went to brother C ~'s, and 

preached to a clever congregation ; the power 
€f the Lord attended the word. 1 met the 
society, and had a precious time amongst them. 

At HainsVneck, we had a crouded house, 
and the Lord attended the truth with power ; 
some fell on the floor : I met class, and several 
joined society. 

I then went to brother Peddrick's, in lower 
Pcnns neck — There the Lord attended the 
word with the energy of his Spirit : several 
cried aloud for mercy. I met class ; one sin- 
ner fell, under the power of God, to the floor. 
Several prayers were put up for him, and the 
Lord, in his mercy, set his soul at liberty, 
whereby he was enabled to rejoice in redeem- 
ing love : Glory to the name of Christ. 

On Sunday, I preached in Penns-neck meet- 
ing-house y there the Lord attended the word 
with power, and several cried out for mercy. 
After preaching, I invited the mourners to 
stay in class ; they did so, and in class the 
Lord laid to his helping hand, and his power 
was present to the joy of many souls : several 
2 



210 

were set at liberty, to praise him as a sift* 
pardoning God ; and one professed sanctifica- 
tion. It' was a day that will nevtr be forgotten, 
in time or eternity, by many souls—Here I 
met with friend I. Earth, who asked me, if 
1 would preach in upper Penns-neck, if he 
could procure a place, and give me notice. 
I told him, I would. Then we went on for 
Salem, in order to attend my afternoon ap- 
pointment. There I found a large congre- 
gation ; but being rather late, by reason of 
our meeting continuing longer than usual m 
the neck, my son ©avid was preaching, to 
them, on the same text that I had spoken 
from in the morning : viz. Quench not the 
Spirit. After he had done, I gave an exhor- 
tation, and we had a peaceable waiting be- 
fore God— I went on to my next appoint- 
ment, where I had a clever congregation .and 
the Lord attended the Word with power. Two 
fell to the floor, and we had a little shout in 
the camp of Jesus. I met class, and about 
twelve mined, and we had a precious time. 
After, meeting, a young man said to me, 
Father Abbott, what shall I do ? I have been 
in full stretch for sanctification ; I have lelt 
nothing undone, that I could do ; I have pray- 
ed almost all night, on my knees, for the 
blessing; and some times it app^ as if 
I were just going to receive it ; but now it 
seems farther from me, and as if I should 
nTv?r receive it all. I said, I believe you are 
Z the right way, and let us fervently pray for 



the blessing; and I believe that God will give 
it unto you before we rise. We kneeled down,, 
and he soon fell on the door, as one dead, 
under the mighty power of God; his blood 
appeared stagnated, and he lay some time ffi 
this state, while we were made partakers of 
divine blessings ; when he came to, he praised 
God and testified that he had given him a 
clean heart. Brother S. invited him to tarry 
all night j but he said, that he would go home? 
and tell the good news to his parents, and so 
set out : he had fifteen miles to walk. He 
was soon after this, called to the work of the 
Lord, and took the field as a travelling preacher. 

At my next appointment, I found a crouded 
house, to whom I preached, and the Lord 
attended the truth with the energy of his 
Spirit i several cried out^ being cut to the 
heart, under a sense q! their depraved and 
fallen state. In class, I impressed sanctifica- 
tion oh them, and the power of the Lord 
fell on sister W. who, with several others, re- 
ceived this inestimable blessing. A presby- 
terian, hearing the cry of mourners, came t0 
the door, and the power of the Lord reached 
his heart so, that he fell into the house, and 
was renewed in God's love in this meeting j 
he had known what religion was, previous 
to this, but then he got a fresh spring. He 
and his wife, both joined society. I spent 
the evening with sister W. in great satis- 
faction, conversing on the things of God. 



m 

Next day, I went to brother S 's, at 

New-England-town, where I found a crouded 
house, chieflv presbyterians, to whom I preach- 
ed from Romans Vni. 30. Whom he did 
predestinate them he also called i &c. and hope 
it was not labour lost. 

I went to my next appointment, about nine 
or ten miles distant, where I found several 
of the New- England-town presbyterians and 
baptists, who had followed me thither ; to 
whom I preached upon predestination, and 
they gave great attention. When I had con- 
eluded^ a yOurtg man arose, and told his ex- 
perience. I had seen him in my last round, and 
he then told me that he was in great distress, 
and said, he was afraid that he should be 
lost, for that he saw no Way for his escape. 
I then* applied the promises of the gospel, 
and advised him to fly to Christ, and betake 
himself to prayer, for, said I, you have spent 
many a day and night in the service of the 
devil, and now be determined to spend the 
femainder of your time in the service of God. 
He at that time, left me without making any 
replv, whether he would or not. Being a 
sawyer, he went to his mill, and set her to 
work; but his mind being exceedingly agi- 
tated, he said to himself, What shallit profit 
ine, if I should gain the whole wor d, and 
lose my own soul ? I will take the old man s 
advice. So he shut down his mill, and re- 
tired into the swamp, and took himse*l to 
prayer, for about the space of three hours ; 



ill 

iometimes em his knees, and sometimes on 
his face, until the Lord spoke peace to his 
soul. Now, said he, I am as happy as I can 
live ; and exhorted all to seek for the blessing* 
I desired the people to tarry, while I read 
our articles of faith, and also their owru They 
all sat down, and I read our own first, and 
then I proceeded to read theirs ; they all sat 
still, until I came unto the third article, which 
spoke on this wise, in substance : God for 
the purpose of his own glory, fore-ordained 
whatsoever comes to pass, and predestinated 
such a certain number, both men and angels, 
for eternal life, and the others he passed by 
and left them to eternal damnation j and that 
the number was so certain and definite, that 
one could not either be added or diminished— 
At reading this they arose and left the house* 
I met class, and had a precious time. There 
were a number added to the church at this 
place while I rode the circuit. 

^ At my next appointment, 1 tore up cal- 
vinism. 1 had great liberty in speaking, and 
many wept. After preaching, 1 read our 
articles, it being a new place, and then asked, 
if any had a desire to join society : there were 
nine who joined. I tarried that night at Mrs, 
Hand's. 

Next day, 1 went to Morris-river church, 
and had a large congregation ; there the Lord 
attended the word with power ; his people 
seemed lost in the ocean of redeeming love, 
and several fell to the floor, and many praised 



God; it was a day of great power to many 
souls. In class, many of the dear people were 
so happy, that they could not speak. \Ve 
had precious times generally at that place 
while 1 rode the circuit. 

1 went to the widow H 1 — -'s, and we had 
a crowded House, i preached with hberty, 
and God attended the word with power ; many 
went and some cried out : we had a small 
shout in the camp. In class, we had a power- 
ful time ; a woman seemed lost in the ocean 
of love, clapping her hands, shoutmg. Glory 
to God t arid praises to his holy name ! # We 
had a revival, and 1 formed a class m this 
place ; mav the Lord record their names, in 
the Lamb's book of life ! 

At Tuckehoe We he a crowded house. 1 
did not expect ever to see them again, on 
this side of great eternity.* While we were 
singing, 

Come ye that love the Lord, 
And let your joys be known s 
join in a song of sweet accord, 
While ye surround the throne— 

The power of the Lord fell on me, in sueh 
a manner, that 1 could neithe^r sing nor give 
oufthe nvmri, until the Lord withheld his 
Spirit a little, which ran through the house 
With power. I then prayed, and if 1 ever 
preached with life, liberty, and power, 1 did 

"T This proved to be the case, for he never had 
another opportunity of visiting them. 



lhat day. I n^t the class, and we had a pre*, 
cious time ; the children of God seemed lost 
in the. ocean of redeeming grace: Some lay 
on the floor, under the might) power of God ? 

1 went to my next appointment, ^here I 
found the house crowded. We had a shout 
in the carnp of Jesus ; two old sinners were 
cut to the heart, and got their souls converted 
and joined bociety— In class we had a won- 
derful time ; pur meeting lasted for several 
hours; a number lay on the floor, under 
the mighty power of God, and several pro-? 
fessed sanctificatiqn. This is strange work 
in the eyes of the carnal heart ; but glory 
to God, we know in whom we h u e believed i 
Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord and not 
a God ajar off? Do not 1 ffl heaven and 
earth? Jer> xxm 23. 24. 1 went home 
with brother Heslcr 

1 next preached at brother B— - 5 s, Here 
the Lord attended his word with power ; one 
sinner kneeled, first on one knee and then 
on the other, and soon fell on the floor and 
cried aloud for mercy ; 1 met the class, and 
we had a shout in the camp ; many prayed 
aloud, others shouted for joy, and The noise 
was heard afar off— Several professed sancti- 

fication among whom were brother B ? s 

son Wesley, and his daughter. The son soon 
after took the field, as a labourer in the Lord's 
vineyard— May he ever be faithful, to the 
gift of divine grace received ! 




210 



We held quarterly meeting at Murphey's 
church. Here 1 met with brother Merick, 
our presiding elder, and brother Cann, who 
rode on the Bethel circuit. On Saturday, 
brother Cann preached with life and power, 
in the demonstration of the Spirit; brother 
M. and myself gave exhortations ; we had a 
profitable waiting on the Lord— On Sunday- 
morning, brother M. opened the love-feast : 
after handing abont the bread and water, the 
people began to speak very feelingly, and the 
power of the Lord came down among them : 
many cried aloud, and others fell to the floor 
under the mighty power of God. Some cried 
aloud for mercy, and some shouted for joy — 
joy indeed, to see sinners flocking home to 
God, as doves to the window ; others prayed 
aloud, so that we haa the shout of a king 
in the camp, and the power of the Lord was 
present to heal those who were wounded by 
the Spirit of the eternal God : for the Lord 
Jcilleih and maketh alive. By this might) power, 
sinners were convinced of their undone state, 
without a Redeemer, and souls were converted, 
whereby they were enabled to shout redeeming 
Jove to God and the Lamb : some professed 
sanctification. Thus the work went on, until 
time for public preaching, so that the sacra- 
ment could not be administered during that 
space of time* At eleven o'clock, it was judged 
best to open the doors, many people were with- 
put waiting for admittance. After a short 
interval, public worship began, and brother 



Merick preached, and after him, several ex- 
hortations were given, and divine power at- 
tended the word : several were reached to the 
heart, arid one or two ungodly sinners, were 
so powerfully struck, that they were helped off 
by their ungodly associates, being so wrought 
on that they were unable to go themselves, 
without their help ; and many of the children 
of God were built up in their most holy faith, 
for which my soul adores the God and rock 
of our salvation. 

An appointment having been made in upper 
Penns-neck," by John Ffirth, at the house of 
John Stremple, a neighbourhood famous for 
vice and immorality, where they had no re- 
gular preaching nearer than ten or twelve miles, 
except now and then a few words in a small 
quaker meeting, where very few of the vulgar 
ever attended. I was informed, that when 
this appointment was made, there were some 
present who were nearly or quite men and 
women grown, who had scarcely ever heard 
a gospel sermon in all their lives. When 
the day came, L F. meet me at Murphey's 
church, agreeable to a former appointment, 
and gave me notice thereof ; accordingly, we 
set off, and on my way theither, my mind 
was solemnly impressed with these words, 
I have a message from God unto thee, Judges 
in. 20. We went to Wm. Barber's, in up. 
per Penns-neck, where we dined : he used 
us kindly, and gave us information that we 
might expect some interruption, from some 



dissolute people s for there had been some 
talk of running horses on the public high- way, 
which led through the man's land, where the 
ra eting had been appointed, and not far from 
his house, and to be at the same hour of 
the meeting ; but this fell through. When 
we arrived at the place, we found a large con^ 
negation assembled ; for in consequence of 
the novelty of a methodist meeting, the talk 
of an intended interruption, &c &e> the people 
had generally got together. When we went 
into the housed as many people followed us 
as could well croud in, and stand on their 
feet ; I took my stand near the doer, there 
being a considerable number outside. Two 
men followed us into the house, who appeared 
ill-disposed ; one of them took his stand near 
the middle of the house, where he remained 
during the meeting, without offering any dis- 
turbance 5 the other stood about three feet 
from the door, with a truncheon in his hand, 
about two feet long, which he held by the 
small end ; three or~four others remained out^ 
side the door, with the like weapons in the if 
hands. I sang, and kneeled down to pray, 
before either of them offered any interruption ; 
but when I besought God to visit that part 
of his vineyard, and to make it as famous 
for virtue, as it had been for vice, one of them 
replied, That it was as good already, as any 
other part he had known ; and made use of 
several other expressions, during the time 
of prayer, when i had done prayer, I aske$ 



£19 

Mm, if he knew that he had violated the 
laws of the land ; and, if put in force, that 
he had forfeited twenty pounds, and must 
either give security for his future good be- 
haviour, or go to jail. I then/ charged 
him, at his peril, to desist and give no father 
interruption : he made several replies, and 
appeared very vicious. Mrs. Hews, an old 
quaker woman, who sat just at my elbow, 
seeing the man's conduct, and hearing what 
had passed, bade me not to be afraid ; and 
put me in mind of the sufferings which their 
friends had underwent for the cause of God, 
I was truly glad to find her an advocate for 
Jesus ; though, I bless God, I did not feel 
the fear of man. I proceeded, and gavje out 
my text, I have a message from God unto 
thee, Judg in. 20. i had not spoken long, 
before he began again to interrupt me, raising 
himself on his toes, to see if the others were 
at hand ; but the door being surrounded by 
a number of the most respectable inhabitants, 
those club-gentry were either ashamed or a- 
fraid, so that they kept their distance. I soon 
found that it would not answer to dispute, 
and therefore; without regard to what he was 
saying, I began to pour out the terrors of the 
law upon him, in the most awful manner I 
was capable of. I soon saw his countenance 
change, and he cried out, " Is it me, sir, 
you mean ?" Yes, said I, you are the very 
man, and / have a message from God unto 
you, which I delivered in plain terms, and 



began to pray for him : he quickly discovered 
a disposition to go out of the house ; but 
this he could not hastily do, the crowd was 
so great in the door. His confusion was great, 
and he cried out, Do not judge, do not judge ! 
At length he got out, and hollowed Amen, 
several times; but he soon gave that up. A 
quaker gentleman being at the door, said to 
him as he went out, " Thou hast met with 
thy match." I have since understood, that 
he had anchored his vessel in the Delaware, 
two or three miles distant, in order to attend 
this meeting; and had sworn that he never 
meant to weigh anchor again, until he had 
driven every methodist out of the neck. While 
I was praying for him, God convinced a woman 
of sin, who soon after got her soul converted, 
and with her husband joined society. Blessed 
be God, notwithstanding all the malice of 
men and devils, we had a solemn and pro- 
fitable time to many souls, who were broken 
into tenderness. Soon after, a society was 
formed, and they became a precious people. 

I left the circuit, after six months, having 
received eighty-five members into society, and 
had seen about fifty sanctified, by the mighty 
power and grace of God, and many others 
that had been justified— There was a great 
revival among the classes ; may the Lord be 
mindful of them, and preserve them in his 
holy fear. 



TRENTON CIRCUIT. 



I left Salem, after the quarterly. meeting, in 
order to travel Trenton circuit ; and on my 
way thither, attended the quarterly. meeting at 
Bethel ; after preaching and exhortation on 
Saturday, we adjourned our meeting until 
Sunday morning. Next morning, brother 
Merick opened the love-feast, and the people 
began to speak their experiences very feelingly ; 
after several had spoken, and a few exhorta- 
tions had been given, I arose, and exhorted 
them to look for sanciification ; for now was 
the day of God's power : and the power of 
the Lord fell on them in such a manner, that 
they (ell to the floor, all through the house, 
up stairs and down ; so that speaking ex- 
periences was now at an end; for many 
shouted praises to God, while others cried 
aloud for mercy, I looked round me, up stairs, 
and I saw a vacancy, although the house was 
crowded ; so I went up, and found a number 
of them lying all in a heap. I went to them, 
and found they were mourners : I exhorted 
them to cry earnestly to God for mercy, and 
spare not— they did so — f, and three or four 
others, prayed for them, and the Lord set all 
their souls at liberty, to rejoice in his love* 
I turned round, and there lay two others, 
struggling, as in the agonies of death : 1 
kneeled and prayed, and several others did the 
same, and the Lord spoke peace to their souls. 

2 



22$ 

I looked, and by those, I saw another fay hi 
like manner : prayer was put up in his behalf* 
I went to several others, in like manner ; but 
they not being set at liberty y I went down 
stairs, and found that the slain and wounded 
lay ail through the house. I found numbers, 
both men and woman v dispersed through the 
congregation. By this time, we concluded it 
was time for public service to begin ; but it 
was agreed that the doors should not be opened, 
and therefore to dispense with public preach- 
ing. This meeting began at nine o'clock, and 
continued until sun about twc hours high* 
Some were justified, and others sanctified , bu?t 
what number of either, will be a secret until; 
the day of eternity^ 

From Bethel, we went to Cros&wicks quar- 
terly meeting, in Burlington circuit. Saturday, 
We had preaching, and some exhortations- 
settled our temporal affairs, and made ready 
for the approaching Sabbath. I went home 
with brother Lovei, where we continued sing- 
ing and praying, until about eleven o'clock 
in the evening : during which time, two souls 
were justified, and two sanctified* Next day, 
our love- feast began ; but the people did not 
speak so lively as 1 could have wished. After 
love.feast, I preached, and the Lord was pre- 
cious to some souls ; then brother Lovel gave 
an exhortation, and one found Him of whom 
Moses and the Prophets wrote i aud several 
crkd and wept. 



I went From Crosswicks to Trenton quar- 
terly-meeting; after preaching and exhortation 
on Saturday, we dismissed the congregation : 
and the preachers, stewards, leaders, kc. settled 
the temporal concerns of the circuit* 

Next day, brother Merick opened the love* 
feast, and many spoke very feelingly. One 
young man was so wrought upon, that he 
trembled every joint in him, to that degree, 
he shook the bench on which he sat Itheia 
looked round, and saw four or five lying osa 
the floor ; I left the pulpit, and went to them, 
and prayed for them ; we had a precious time. 

After our love-feast ended, brother G- — 

preached, and brother M. gave an exhorta- 
tion : but there did not appear any move a* 
mong the people. 

Next day, I took my circuit* and went ta 

brother C 's, where we had a crouded 

house, and among them a baptist preacher. 
Here I tore up Calvinism with all my power. 
I met class, and we had a precious time ; some 
seemed lost in the ocean of redeeming love. 
One woman, who had been sanctified some 
years before, when I was at this place, was 
now as happy as she could live, having never 
lost the witness, from that time to the pre* 
sent. 

I went to another appointment, and preached 
with life 8c power ; and God attended the word 
with the energy of his Spirit. Several fell to 
the floor, and others ran out the house ; some 
professed saactification, and others experienced 



224 



justification, under preaching. I met class, and 
we had a peaceable waiting before the Lord. 
After meeting, I went to brother Pyle's 

Next day,'l had a very small congregation, 
of about six or seven persons, and found them 
very dead, with regard to religion.— But at 
my next appointment, I preached to a large 
congregation, in Monmouth meeting-house, 
where I endeavoured to make old Calvinism 
tremble. After preaching, 1 met class, and 
found them ver> dull. 

My next appointment, was at Squankum, 
where I had a large congregation. Here, a 
man, who had been for a long time under 
affliction, was brought to meeting, on abed 
in a waggon, being fully persuaded in his 
mind, that if he could get to this meeting, 
and hear old Abbott preach, that the Lord 
mould convert his soul: he lay on the bed, 
and cried and prayed ail the time of preaching, 
I met class, and when I spoke to him, he 
told me his exercise, and his belief that God 
would set his soul at liberty. I then said, 
Let us prav— we kneeled down and prayed, 
and according to his faith, so it was, for the 
Lord set his soul at liberty from sin and guilt. 

At my next appointment, I preached, and 
we had a peaceable waiting before God. I 
met class, and we had a precious season a- 
mong them ; a few joined society. 

Our quarterly meeting was held at Long- 
branch. On Saturday there appeared some 
little move among the people ; on Sunday 



morning* our love- feast commenced, and 
several spoke very feelingly— I arose and gave 
them an exhortation, and the Lord laid to hi# 
helping hand, and sent the word with energy f 
like a sharp two-edged sword, to their hearts : 
and they fell, before the Lord, like Dagori 
before the ark, or like men slain in battle. 
Speaking their experiences was now at an end J 
the place Was filled with acclamations, of prayef 
and praise; some crying for mercv, others 
for clean hearts, and others praising God for 
his glorious power and grace : several pro* 
fessed sanctification, and other justification* 
We had a blessed time, and our meeting 
ended in great< harmony. 

I desired the people to give out our preach* 
ing for me at Shrewsbury, a town in which the 
quakers, baptists, presby terians and episcopal- 
ians, each had a house of public worship ; but 
they all, as with one accord, refused me the 
liberty of their houses. I then directed; that 
it should be given out for me to preach in 
the street, which was done. When I came 
to the place, I found a large congregation ; 
some judged that there were five hundred 
people present. I preached with great liberty ; 
they gave great attention ; God attended the 
word with power, and many tears were shed ; 
although in the street. Street-preaching, or 
preaching in the fields and woods, is often 
made the most successful. 

I went home with brother M. and next 
day, preached to a crowded house, with liberty ; 



226 



the power of the Lord arrested a young quaker , 
and he -fell .to the floor, as if he had been 
shot: his mother, being present, cried out 
"My son is dead! my son is dead J" I re- 
plied Mammy, your son is not dead ; look 
to yourself, mammy, your son is not dead : 
and in a few minutes, we had a number slain 
before the Lord. An old Quaker man stood 
with tears in his eyes ; I said to him, Daddy, 
look to yourself; this was the way with you, 
when you had the life and power of God a- 
mong you. Read Sewei's history of the people 
called quake rs, and you will find there, that 
John Audland, a young man, was preaching 
in a field, near Bristol, and the' people fell 
to the ground before hinrv, and cried out under 
the mighty power of God. The man of the 
house brought the book, and read the passage 
before the congregation, and he then acknow- 
ledged it to be the work of the Lord. I at- 
tempted to meet the class, but did not speak to 
above two or three, when the people fell be- 
fore the Lord, as men slain in battle, and we 
had the shout of f a king in the camp of Jesus : 
two or three professed that God had sanctified 
their souls. The young quaker, and several 
others professed that -God had set their souls 
at liberty ; several joined society, and we had 
a precious time. When I went on that cir- 
cuit, there were about six or seven in society 
at that place, and when I left it, there were 
about thirty-six ; six or seve^of whom had 
been quakers. At this place, our meetings 



were generally so powerful that I never re. 
gularly met the class, during the time I was 
on the circuit : for, we alwa, s had the shout 
of a king in the camp of Jesus— Glorj to God I 

1 preached at the Falls ; the man of the 
house was a methodist, and the woman a pres- 
byterian. We had a peaceable waiting be- 
fore God. I met class, and we had a very 
powerful time. I impressed the doctrine of 
sanctification on them ; two young women 
fell to the floor, and one young man'fell back, 
ward, off the bench, and made such a strange 
noise, that he frightened the wicked, ail into 
a huddle in a corner ; for as he lay near the 
door, they had no way to make their escape. 
Both the girls possessed sanctification, and 
the young man professed to be justified. 

I visited New-Brunswick, where we had 
no society ; but God raised up one of nine * 
members, while I remained on the circuit. 
May the Lord increase their number ! I 
preached also at Princeton, where I endeavour- 
ed to pull old Calvin's errors to pieces. There, 
the Lord raised up a society of nine persons 
more, before I left the circuit Glory to God J 

Our quarterly meeting was held at brothel 

H - % s. Brother G. preached, and brother 

Mr gave an exhortation — In our love-feast, 
our friends spoke very feelingly : several testi- 
fied that God had sanctified their souls, while 
I had been on the circuit ; and a number 
of others, that God had justified them freely. 
After love. feast, finding the congregation w^s 



£28 

large, we thought it best to retire to the woods, 
where brother G. stood in a waggon, and 
preached to the people ; after him, brother M. 
gave an exhortation; when he had done, I 
arose and gave another ; and the Lord laid 
to his helping hand, and slew eight or ten, 
who fell to the earth, under the mighty power 
of God ; but my strength being exhausted 
and no one speaking alter me, the meeting 

broke up. ; 

We had many blessed times, while I rode 
that circuit, which was about six months.* 



EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND. 

Since I have been a preacher, I have kept 
an account of two hundred and twenty-four 
gouls, that I have seen sanctified. When I 
rode Cecil circuit, I saw thirty sanctified, and 
fortyt hree Justified. When I was moved to 

"~7*M Abbott left the Jerseys, about the last of 
Seotember 1793, and the compiler finds by the ml- 
tXl for that year that he was appointed to labour 
[n the Ceril circuit, stated Maryland ; but how long 
he laboured there the compiler is not able to determine, 
from any thin* that appears in the manuscripts In 
Vh minutes for the year 1794, he likewise stands on 
5he 53 circuit; but from the manuscript we find 
Sat be laboured on Kent circuit : but how long he 
f f,, red there, appears uncertain He returned home, 
Se to -era^ut the last of May or the first 
7, ne 1795. It appears that he spent the most, 
S/oT aH his time, during those years, when health 
permitted, on the above circuits. 



t2S 



Kent circuit, the Lord began to work power- 
fully — In twelve weeks, God sanctified about 
fifty, and justified many. For fifteen meetings, 
in succession, some were either justified or 
sanctified* — We had shout after shout, and 
the Lord slew them, like men slain in battle.f 

May 10th, 1794, I met class, and had a 
melting time— at night the Lord was with us 
of a truth : the slain lay before him. 

Sunday 11th, I had a melting time in the 
morning, and in the afternoon a peaceable 
waiting before the Lord — At night, the Lord 
laid to his helping hand, and we had a shout 
in the camp, so that the noise might be heard 
a great way off — I took cold, and was very 
unwell for some days. 

Thurday 15th, I met class, and had a melt- 
ing time— At night the Lord opened the 
windows of heaven, and from the skies, poured 
down righteousness, so that the people fell 
before him, and the cries of the wounded 
were great. 

Saturday 17th, I went to brother R '& 

to preach ; but being unwell, I got brother 

t The compiler is sorry that the manuscripts do not 
contain a more minute account of the labours of Mr. 
Abbott in those places. There can be no doubt but 
many things must have occured in that period, worthy 
of note, as it contains his labours from September 
1793, until May 1794. 

It may be observed that from this time, Mr, Ab- 
bott has been more particular in giving dates, than in 
any other parts of his labours. 

u 



230 



D. Abbott to preach. I met class, and God 
poured out his Spirit in such a manner, that 
both saint and sinner wept. 

Sunday 18th, 1 preached, and God poured 
out his Spirit in such a manner, that they 
fell before him, like men slain in batile. This 
alarmed the wicked, and they fled for the door ; 
but God was too strong for some of them, 
who were left behind weeping for their sins. 
1 was obliged to leave the slain, in order to 
attend my afternoon appointment, where I 
met a large congregation, to whom 1 preached, 
and had a peaceable waiting upon the Lord. 
Alter preaching, at the Lord's table, we had 
a melting time, 1 went home with brother M'C, 
Next'day, I went to Chester-town, and at 
night held a prayer-meeting. We had a power- 
ful time, and one soul was set at liberty. 

Tuesday 20ih, I rode to brother — 's, 
and preached to a hard-hearted people. 

Next day, I preached at brother Miller's, 
and the Lord was with us of a truth f some 
wept, and others rejoiced. Brother M. in- 
formed me, that God had converted his three 
children, and a negro girl, the night before ; 
and I heard them tell of the Lord's dealings 
$nd goodness to their souls — In class, the 
pqv er of the Lord was present ; one was slain, 
$nd divers others were so overcome and filled 
with redeeming love, that they could hold 
no more — Glory to God, this - was a good 
time to many, arid I was happy in my owa 
§ouh 



231 



Next day, We had a peaceable waiting be- 
fore the Lord, both under the word, and in 
class— In the evening the power of the Lord 
slew one, and when he revived, he testified 
that God had saved his soul, and cried out, 
" O that I had wings that I might fly to 
Jesus ! O that I could die, to be with my 
Jesus!' 3 clapping his hands, and shouting, 
Glorv to God ! 

May 25 ih, We had a melting time ; both 
saints and sinners wept under the word — In 
the afternoon, I preached from these words — 
r /o you that fear my name, shall the sun of 
righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; 
and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves 
of the stall God attended the word with 
the energy of his holy Spint, in such a manner, 
that numbers fell to the floor, and four found 
him of whom Moses and the prophets did 
write. The wicked flew for the door — Glory 
to God 5 there was a shaking among the dry 
bones, and we had a shout in the camp of 
Israel. In family prayer, the Lord was a- 
mongst us of a truth : one fell to the floor, 
and cried for mercy. Glory to God, the place 
was glorious because of his presence, and my 
soul was happv in my God. 

Next day, We held a prayer-meeting in 
the evening, and several were struck to the 
floor by the power of God, and we had a 
shout in the camp. 

May 27th, At night, we had a prayer, 
meeting, and the God of love was present, 



232 

in the power and energy of his holy Spirit. 
Many cried out, and several fell to the floor 
and besought God to have mercy on their 
souls : three bore testimony, that God had 
pardoned all their sins — One lay for near an 
hour, as though she had been dead, and then 
came to, and sang, with such a melodious 
note, as I never had heard before. The voice 
seemed as if four or five were singing to- 
gcther — But upon examining them, no one 
had sung with her, neither did they un- 
derstand the tune ; notwithstanding they all 
distinctly heard it, as if four or five were sing- 
ing* She then seemed to die away again, 
and when she came to, sang as before ; this 
was repeated several times, at length she a- 
rose from the floor, praising God for her 
deliverance, declaring his goodness to her soul. 
It was a good time ; sinners trembled and 
saints rejoiced— and my soul was happy. 

Next day, The Lord laid to his hand, and 
sanctified one soul, and justified another in 
a powerful manner. 

May 30th, I preached, and the power of 
the Lord was present in such a manner, that 
several fell to the floor — The cries and lamen- 
tations of the wounded and distressed were 

great. # 

June 1st, I preached in town— in the morn- 
ing we had a melting time, many wept— -In 
the afternoon the Lord poured out his Spirit, 
and. the slain fell before him, like dead men 5 
others lay, as in the agonies of death, en- 



233 



treating God to have mercy on their souls : 
some found peace. Glory to God, many in 
this town, seem alarmed of their danger; may 
God increase their number — A girl, who lived 
with a quaker, was cut to the heart in such 
a manner, that they did not know how to 
get her home ; I went to see her, and found 
many round her, both white and black. She 
lay as one near her last gasp ; I kneeled down 
and besought God for her deliverance, and 
in a few minutes, she brake out in raptures 
of joy, crying out, Let me go to Jesus ! re- 
peating it several times ; then she arose and 
went home* Glory to God ! for what my 
eyes saw, my ears heard, and my soul felt 
that day, of the blessed Spirit: the meeting 
continued from three o'clock, until evening. 

Two young women at a certain place and 
time, sitting in their father's house, one said 
unto die other, If Mammy had religion, I 
should get it too — The Lord struck her with 
conviction, in such a manner, that she cried 
so loud for mercy, that she alarmed all the 
house with her cries ; and thus she continued 
until three of her sisters were all struck, with 
the like conviction for sin. Their cries to 
God, continued near forty-eight hours, with 
little intermission, when God, in his infinite 
mercy, set two of their souls at liberty, to 
rejoice in his redeeming love. Another of 
them came to town, and met me, and I went 
home with her. As we were riding along 
the road; she being under sore distress of soul, 

% 



234 



cried aloud for mercy, and God broke in upon 
her soul in such a manner, that she clapped 
her hands and cried, Glory to God in the 
highest ! There was another young woman 
in the carriage with her, and the power of 
God struck her in so wonderful a manner, that 
she lost the use of her limbs, and lay about 
an hour : when she came to, her first words 
were, " Is this perfect love ?" In time of 
prayer, at the meeting we attended, God poured 
cut his Spirit in such a manner, that several 
fell to the floor, with such cries and screeches, 
that a solemn awe sat on every face, and be- 
fore the meeting ended six souls were set at 
liberty, to rejoice in the rock of ages : Thanks 
be to God. 

Monday 2d, of June, In prayer-meeting in 
the evening, the Lord was with us of a truth. 
Next day, I preached and had a melting time ; 
at night,*the Lord was with us in power, and we 
had a proper shout Rejoice greatly O daughter 
of Zton; shout, Q daughter of Jerusalem Be. 
hoti thy king cometh unto thee: he is just, 
and having salvation: Zach. ix 9. 

June 4,h, I preached and the Lord laid to 
his almighty power — several fell to the floor — 
some professed sanctification, and two to be 
justified : believers were built up in the most 
holy faith. 

June 5th, I preached, and the Lord poured 
out his Spirit in mighty power ; the cry of 
mourners was so great that the noise might 
have been heard afar off. Several were set 



235 



at liberty from the bondage of sin and Satan, 
and were made partakers of that love, which 
makes glad the city of God. One professed 
sanctification, and several were awakened — 
Thanks be to the Most High. 

June 6th, The Lord, under the word, poured 
out his Spirit in such a manner, that three 
or four found peace, and two professed sancti- 
fication. Believers were built up, and it was 
a good day to many souls. At night, we had 
a proper shout, one fell to the floor, and lay 
as if she were dead, and when, she came to, 
she shouted and gave glory to God for her 
deliverance. 

I met class at sister Brown's. There we 
had a powerful time, several were lost as in the 
ocean of redeeming love. Glory to God for- 
ever ! One was sanctified in a powerful man- 
ner, at that meeting, and in the evening we 
had a melting time. The Lord filled one 
of our sisters with perfect love, in the carriage 
as she was returning home, in such a power- 
ful manner, that she lost both the power of 
her body and speech : but when she recovered 
herself, she said that God had given her a 
clean heart, and had filled her soul with love, 

Sunday June 8ih, We held a love-feast, 
and the Lord laid his helping hand upon us, 
and poured out his Spirit in such a manner, 
that not one soul spoke there experience in 
love- feast. Sinners trembled and fell to the 
floor, while christians shouted praises to God 
and the Lamb forever. One lay as if &he 



236 

were dead ; numbers were powerfully wrought 
upon. This was a love-least indeed : I never 
saw but one like it before, in which no one 
spoke their experience. I preached that day 
with great freedom and power. 

Monday 9th, I held prayer-meeting, and 
the Lord manifested his love amongst us. 
There was a shaking among the dry bones. 
One lay, as if she were dead, for near two 
hours, and then came to with praises to God, 
for htr deliverance, with great raptures of joy. 
The children of God were filled with joy un- 
speakable. How inexpressible are the pleasures 
of those, who are filled with raptures of a 
Saviour's love ? Ecstatic pause ! " Silence 
heightens heaven!" , 

Friday I3.h, 1 held prayer- meeting, and the 
power of the Lord fell upon the people in 
such a manner, that the slain lay all over 
the floor. Several were converted to God ; 
one or two professed sanctificauon ; Glory to 
God, he carried on his own work. 

Saturday 14th, I preached, and had a melt- 
ing time. I met class, and the power of the 
Lord came down, and we had a shout in the 
camp of the Lord. 

Sunday 15th, The Lord attended the word 
with power, and divers fell before him, like 
Daron before the ark. I was obliged to leave 
the" slain on the floor, in order to attend my 
next appointment, where I found a large con- 
ereeation, to whom 1 preached : In class we 
lad"~a melting time, and a shout in the camp. 



237 



It was a day of his power ; he worked and none 
could hinder him. Next day, I preached at 
a new place, and had a favoured time ; some 
sighed, and some groaned, and others wepU 

Tuesday 17th, I preached, and the Lord at- 
tended the word with power ; several were 
cut to the heart, and one found peace to her 
soul. Blessed be God, he has not forgotten 
to be gracious. They that seek shall find. 

Wednesday 18ih, This was a dav of power: 
I preached, and the Lord attended the word 
with the energy of his Spirit. Saint and sinner 
felt his power ; numbers cried aloud for mercy, 
and several found him of whom Moses and 
the Prophets wrote. One lay as in the agony 
of death for some time, but glory to God, 
he set his soul at liberty, whereby he was 
enabled to rejoice in his glorious love. 

Thursday 19rh, I preached to a fevv, but 
there was nothing done to speak of- How- 
ever, I found peace in my own soul. At 
evening, I met class, and the Lord was with 
us of a truth, we had a shout in the camp 
of Jesus. 

Sunday 22d, I preached with life and power, 
and the Lord manifested his presence amongst 
us ; some cried for mercy, and a solemn awe 
sat on many faces. I went to my next ap- 
pointment, and preached to a large congre- 
gation. The Lord laid to his helping hand, 
and there was a mighty shaking among the 
dry bones ; divers persons lay through the 
house, as dead men and women, slain by the 



238 



misrhtv power of God. The same Jesus who 
raised Lazarus from the dead, raised up nine 
persons, that we coald ascertain, to praise 
him as a sin -pardoning God ; and how many- 
more, that we could not ascertain, God only 
knows : for many wept, and some shouted 
praises to God and the Lamb — Glory to God, 
this was a day that will be long remembered 
by manv precious souls. Some were so filled 
and running over with perfect love, that as 
they returned home, they shouted praises to 
God, as they went on their way. 1 was as 
happv as I could live in the body. 

Monday 23d, 1 held a prayer- meeting, and 
it was a good time to many ; some were so 
filled with the love of God that it took away 
the use of their limbs, and they lay on the 
floor as happy as they could live, rejoicing 
in the God and rock of their salvation. We 
had at that time, about twelve children on 
the circuit who were happy in religion, and 
the Lord was doing great things for many. 
Mv soul' was on the wing. 

Tuesdav 24th, I held another prayer-meet- 
ing, and had a powerful time. Next dav I 
met class, and we had a melting time. At 
night I preached, and the power of the Lord 
was present, to the jov of his children ; and 
we had a shout in the assembly. Cry out and 
shout, thou inhabitant of Zion : for great is 
the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. 
lsa. xn. 6. 



S39 



Thursday 26th, We had an awful time : 
numbers cried out for mercv, and the Lord 
set some at liberty to rt joice in hi-> redeeming 
love Let thy priests be clothed with salvation^ 
and let thy saints rejoice in goodness 2 Lhron. 
vi 41. 

Friday 27th, I preached, and the Lord laid 
to his almighty arm of power, in such a man. 
ner, that several lay as if they were in the 
agony of death ; some trembled, and others 
cried aloud for mercy. Glory to the eternal 
God I He slays, and he makes alive. In his 
mercy he set several at liberty, to rejoice in 
redeeming love. This was a day of his power 
to many souls, and my soul was happy. 

Sunday 29ih, I preached twice, as usual 
on the Sabbath ; in the morning, we had a 
precious time ; and in the afternoon, we had 
the shout of a king in the camp. Some were 
rejoicing in redeeming love ; and others were 
crying, in bitterness of soul, for merc\ at the 
hand of God ; while the power of the Lord 
slew others, as men cut down in battle. It 
was a day of davs to many souls. Glory to 
the eternal God! This meeting continued 
from three o'clock until evening. 
m July 3d, I preached, and had a precious 
time : then I met class, and the presence of 
the Lord was among us. For the Lord thy 
God walked in the midst of thy ca?np w de- 
liver thee: Deut. xxiii 14 Next day, the 
Lord was with us of a truth : one was set 
at liberty and several of the ineads seemed 



240 

lost in the ocean of God's love. In the after* 
noon, we had a melting time, among the 
friends. At night, we held a prayer- mteting, 
and manv were slain before the Lord ; one 
professed" to be justified freely by his grace ; 
another professed sanctification. This was a 
time, to my soul, long to be remembered; 
and I trust 'it will be remembered by many 
others. This meeting continued until near 
three o'clock 

Friday 4th, 1 preached from 1 John iv. 16. 
God is 'love. It was a time of love indeed : 
for divers of God's dear children, were lost 
in the ocean of redeeming grace ; and the God 
of love, spoke peace to three souls. That day 
willnevtrbe forgotten by my soul; though 
I was weak m bodv, I was strong in spirit. 

Sunday 6th, 1 preached in the morning, and 
it was a good time to many ; several cried 
aloud, some seemed lost in the ocean of re- 
deeming love, and 1 was so happy, that I could 
hardly refrain from crying out. In the after, 
noon, we had a large congregation ; and the 
devil got angrv, and made one of his servants 
throw some skones. We had a happy time m 
class • afterward I went home with one ot 
our friends, and held a prayer-meeting, and 
the Master of assemblies was with us. 

Monday evening, I held a prayer-meeting 
and had a melting time ; some of the friends 
were lost as in wonder, love, and praise. 1 he 
next day, 1 held a prayer- meeting again, and 
the Lord was with us. Some cried out, 



m 



Praise the Lord, O my soul! and all that is 
within me, praise his holy name. The next 
day likewise, 1 held a prayer-meeting, and 
we had a comfortable time. 

Friday 11th, I preached a funeral sermon* 
and the Lord was present with us. At night 
I held a prayer-meeting, and we had a melting 
time. The next day, the Lord was with us 
in a powerful manner ; some cried out, and 
others were lost in the ocean of love, and I 
was happy in my own soul ; blessed be God, 
he has not forgotten to be gracious. 

Sunday 13th, In the forenoon I preached 
to a large congregation, and the Lord laid to 
his helping hand ; some lay on the floor as 
in the agony of death, others were crying a- 
loud for mercy, and some were shouting 
praises to God, being filled with his love, 
Several fled out of the house, choosing rather 
to rkk their lot among the damned, than to 
expose themselves ii| the congregation, by 
asking mercy at the hand of God. The Lord 
sat one soul at liberty, and another professed 
sanctification. The Lord's hand is not shortened. 
In the afternoon, 1 went to my other appoint- 
xnent, where I met a large congregation, to 
whom I preached, and the Lord made bare 
his arm in such a manner, that there was a 
shaking among the dry bones : some cried 
aloud, others were happy in God* Glory to 
his dear name, my soul was happy. 

Monday 14th, I preachedy anti had a melt- 
ing time ; sinners were cut to the heart, be- 



m 

iievers were transported with the presence of 
God, and my heart was swallowed up hi re- 
deeming love, I joined ten in society ; may 
God record their names in the Lamb's book 
of life I In the evening, I preached again, 
and the Lord poured out his Spirit, and we 
had a shout in the camp of Israel. 

Next day, under preaching, the power of Go4 
was with us in such a manner, that some wept, 
and others seemed lost in the ocean of love. 
One professed sanctification, and another 
so was struck by the mighty power of God, 
that she shook from head to foot, as if in the 
agony of death, for near the space of two 
hours; sometimes crying to Go* for mercy, 
at other times tha: her heart would break ; at 
length her strength failed, and she lay for a 
time, like one dead : when she came to, she 
praised God foi her deliverance, white many 
stood round her amazed. Glory to God, for 
a miracle of grace 1 %was so happy that J 
could hardly utter a sentence until God with- 
drew his hand a little. Were we to be al- 
ways thus happy, we should be disqualified 
for earth, or worldly things. Oh 1 what rap- 
tures shall we have in heaven ! 

Wednesday 16th, I preached, and the Lord 
poured out his Spirit, both under the word 
and in class, in so wonderful a manner, that 
a woman lav under the mighty operation of 
the Spirit of God, as one dead, for near the 
space of three Iri&r* ; several felt her hand? 
and arms, and they were apparently cold as 



£43 



if she had been dead and laid out ; but glory 
to God, when he, by his Spirit, revived her, 
she could testify that he had sanctified her 
soul, and filled her with joy unspeakable. 
Several of the friends, were baptised in the 
fountain of love ; and for my own part, I was 
so filled with the love of God that - 1 could 
hold no more t it was good measure, pressed 
down, and shaken together, and running over* 
Luke vi. 38. I adore God, for what I have 
felt and seen ; my tongue or pen, can never 
express it, on this side of eternity. 

Saturday 19 Our quarterly meeting be- 
gan, and we had a blessed time to many souls, 

Sunday 20 r h, Our meeting began at six 
o'clock in tiie morning, and wheri we had 
sung and prayed, the power of God came 

3di¥R In such a manner that the slain lay 
all through the house. Some seemed lost in 
the ocean of God's love, some professed justi- 
fication, and others fllat God had sanctified 
their souls. This meeting* was so powerful* 
that but one attempted to speak her experience 
in love-feast : while she was speaking, she 
sunk down, crying out God has made me ail 
love f Immediately* the house was filled with 
cries and praises to God ; some trembled and 
Were astonished. We had to carry the slain 
out of the house, in order to make room that the 
people might come in, for the public preach- 
ing — -And when we had sung and prayed, the 
presence of the Lord came down as in the 
days of old, and the house was filled with 



his glory : the people fell before him, like 
men slain in battle. It was a great day of 
God's power to many souls ; some professed 
sanctification, some justification, and others 
were lost as in the ocean of redeeming love. 
This was a day of days to my soul. The 
windows being open, there were hundreds out 
side, gazing at those in the house, who were 
slain before the Lord ; but they lay both in 
the house, and out of it. Prayers were put 
tip to God, both within and without the house, 
in behalf of the penitents and mourners. I 
trust that many date their conviction, and o- 
thers their conversion, from that quarterly 
meeting — I went from this meeting, to brother 

D 's, with some other friends, where we 

joined in prayer, and the Lord (glory to his 
natne) poured out of his Spirit in a powertul 
manner amongst us. I then went home with 
some friends, where we sang praises to God ; 
and while we were singing, the power of God 
fell on me, in such a manner, that I cried 
out : the power reached all in the room, and 
one fell to the floor, crying to God ; after some 
time, she cried out, I see Jesus! (repeating 
it several times) and then, 1 see Moses and 
Elias ! but not with my bodily eyes. She 
then cried out, I am going, my arms are dead ; 
call Mrs. A. When Mrs. A. came, she told 
her, that she saw her mother, standing in 
white ; then gave some words of exhortation 
to repentance— she then died away, and lay 
in that state about twenty minutes : afterwards 



245 

to, and declared that the Lord had 
sanctified her soul, praising God and the Lamb 
in raptures of joy ! Another fell, as if she 
had been shot, and lay some time : When 
she came to, she likewise professed sanctify- 
ing grace. This little meeting held about 
four hours. 

Monday, I held prayer-meeting in the even- 
ing, and God visited us in such a manner, 
that several fell to the floor ; some professed 
to find him of whom Moses and the prophets 
wrote : this meeting held until three in the 
morning. 

Tuesday, I met class, and had a melting 
time, the members seemed swallowed up in 
the ocean of love. One was sanctified in a 
powerful manner — it was a happy time to my 
soul In the evening, under preaching, the 
Lord set the soul of one at liberty to rejoice 
in his love. The shout of a king was among 
them. Numb, xxiii. 21. 

Wednesday, Under the word, some found 
peace and one experienced sanctifying grace j 
many were lost as in the ocean of love, and 
we again had the sluut of a king in the camp. 

Thursday, In the forenoon, under preach- 
ing, God poured out his Spirit in a power- 
ful manner ; his children were happy in his 
love; and it was a good time to my own 
soul — In the evening wc had a peaceable 
waiting before God. How pleasant is it, to 
be found in the work of ♦he Lord, when the 
blessed Redeemer is with us# 

% 




£46 



Next day, I preached and met class, audi 
we had a precious time among the children 
of God. At night, I held a prayer- meeting* 
and the power of the Lord was present a- 
mong us ; one professed justification, and 
God's children were built up in their most 
holy faith Nothing is so encouraging to & 
minister, as to see sinners converted, and the 
people of God going forward in their jour* 
siey toward the heavenly Canaan. 

Saturday 26ch, I went to quarterly meeting, 
Dover Circuity Kent county /Delaware state : 
we had a happy day. On Sunday, in love- 
feast, the Lord God of Elijah, who answereth 
by fire, poured out his Spirit in such a manner 
that the altar of the christians 9 heart, was all 
in a flame with the seraphic fire of love — ■ 
Elijah the Prophet came near, and said, Lord 
God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel let it 
be known this day that thou art God in Israel, 
and that I am thy servant, £ste. Hear ?ne P 
O Lord, hear me, that this people may know 
that thou art the Lord God he. Then the 
fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt 
sacrifice, he. And when the people saw it 9 
they fell on their faces r and they said, the 
Lord, he is the God ; the Lord, he is the 
God. I Kings xviii. 36—39 So on that 
day, when live fire of the Lord came down r 
the people fell and acknowledged the power 
cf God ; and the slain tay all about the house ; 
s^me were carried out as dead men and 
women i while others were lost kt the oceaa 



of love, shouting praises to God and the Lamb. 
The house was filled with the glory of Israel's 
God, who spoke peace to mourners, while 
sinners, were cut to the heart— Glory to God^ 
it was a high day to my own soul* It was 
thought there were about fifteen hundred 
looking on, with wonder and amazement at 
the mightv power ot God, which caused the 
powers of hell to shake and give way ; many 
of the spectators trembled and were astonished ; 
a number professed faith in Christ, and o- 
thers sanctifying grace : God 5 s dear children 
generally were refreshed in redeeming love* 
This was one of the days of the son of man- 
Glory to God saith my soul. 

Monday, I was very unwell, but happy in 
the love of God. On Tuesday, in family 
prayer, the power of God came down wonder- 
fully upon us, four fell to the floor ; and they 
found him of whom Moses in the law and the 
Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, 10 the 
joy of their souls. 

Wednesday 30th, I held prayer-meeting, 
and the Lord made bare his almighty power 
to the joy of his children ; one fell to the 
floor, divers were plunged into the ocean of 
love, and we had a shout in the camp of 
Israel. 

Thursdav, I met class—one fell to the floor, 
intreating God for mercy, and soon lay as one 
dead for near an hour ; it was a happy time 
to the children of God. 



248 



Friday, Aug. 1st, I preached, and had a 

good time ; met class, and had a melting time 
amongst the dear children of God. At night, 
after preaching, I dismissed the people, but they 
would not go Way ; perceiving this, I gave out 
a hymn and went to prayer, and the Lord pour- 
ed out his Spirit, and slew them as mrn slain 
in battle : some lav as in the agonies of death ; 
some were rejoicing in God ; others were cry ing 
for mercv ; and blessed be the Most High, 
he met with manv to the joy of their souls ; 
and his dear children were built up m their 
most holy faith— This meeting lasted for near 
four hours, and I trust will «rt be forgotten 
bv many. 

'Saturday 2nd, I went to the quarterly meet- 
ing. It was a verv wet day ; but, glory to 
God, he poured out his Spirit in such a manner, 
that' the house was filled with cries: some 
shouting praises to God for redeeming love ; 
o'hers intreating for mercy; while divers 
persons lay slain before the Lord, by his mighty 
power, as in the agonies of death. It was a 
day of God's power to many souls ; some 
professed sanctification, and o'hers justifica- 
tion. I went to the house and bapnz-d a 
child : in time of prayer, the mother shook 
every joint in her body; four persons tell to 
the floor ; one professed that God had sancti- 
fied her soul; another cried out, / $;e Jesus . 
repeating it divers time, and then said, 1 am 
full ' Lord, hold thy hand 1 for I can centauj 



ao more* 



249 



Saturday August §th, It rained so that I 
•ould not attend my appointment : but a few 
friends came to the house, in the evening, 
and we had a prayer- meeting. The power 
of the Lord came down in such a manner 
among us, that the place was glorious because 
of his presence, and the dear children of God 
were fed with his heavenly manna, to the joy 
of their souls. 

Sunday 10th, I preached to a large con- 
gregation, and the Lord opened the windows 
of heaven and poured down righteouness ; 
some wept, and some rejoiced ; some were 
crying for mercy, and others were praising 
God— one rose up and said, that God had 
sanctified her soul, clapping her hands with 
praises to God : another cried out, that Qoa 
had pardoned ail her sins : the sacred flame 
of God's love spread through the house. — 
Glory to God, it was a good day to my souL 
Let every creature praise the Lord ! Praise 
him, my soul 1 In the afternoon, I went 
to my other appointment, where I found a 
large congregation waiting to hear the word. 
Here I met with brother C. and he preached 
from. Ye must be born again ; and when 
he had concluded, I arose and gave an ex- 
hortation, and God made the application with 
power, so that there was a shout in the camp : 
many were lost in the ocean of love — this 
was a happy day to my soul. 

Monday 11th, I had a favoured time in 
delivering the word ; three joined in society ; 



150 



and many were cut to the heart. 1 spo^e 
freely and plainly to them of the things of 
God, that appertained to their souls eternal 
welfare. I left divers of them in tears, and 
trust that seme good seed was sown that day* 
which will be found, with its increase, in 
great eternity— I went to town, and in the 
evening held a prayer meeting : we sang and 
began to pray, and God began to work a- 
xnong the people in power— the house was 
filled with cries and groans to God for mercy, 
and numbers fell to the floor, and one fel! 
across my feet. The cries of the distressed 
made the streets to ring ; many stood gazing 
at those who were slain before the Lord, and 
at those who were praising God aloud, in 
rantnrpQ rS f^r * u deliverance. I era- 

braced the opportunity to speak for my God j 
and I asked them, if that which they heard 
was the language of the devil. Hark ! you 
hear no cursing nor swearing ; certaintly this 
is not the language of drunkards, or of horse* 
racers, or of revellers, or any such like. Their 
cry is " Mercy, or I perish ! ,? I asked one 
woman, what she thought was the matter with 
another, that lay on the floor; she answered* 
that she thought her sin was the cause of it p 
and that she was crying to God for mercy—* 
I exhorted her to do likewise, telling her that 
God would have mercy on her also. 

Tuesday 12 h, I preached, and had a pre- 
cious time — I met class, and some of the dear 
children were overwhelmed in the fountain 
of love* 



Wednesday 13th, I preached, and maajr 
were cut to the heart ; one cried aloud for 
mercy, others were happy in the love of God P 
Ic was a good time to my soul. 

Thursday 14ch, I preached to a hard- 
hearted people I told them their danger if 
living in sin ; but I saw little or no effects* 
I hope that the seed of the word will be found 
not altogether lost ; but that some fell, where 
it will bring forth fruit. In the evening, I 
met class, and we had a shout in the camp ; 
four joined society, it was a happy time to 
the dear children of God. 

Next day, I held a prayer meeting, and 
the Lord laid to his helping hand ; one cried 
put and fell to the floor, with screeches that 
seemed to pierce the hearts of many. Six 
others also fell to the floor, and cried aloud 
for mercy, so that the noise was heard a mile 
and a half.— One sinner stood looking on, 
jand 1 said to him, Sinner, pray ; for 1 do 
not know but that God may strike you dead, 
and send you to hell in a moment! With 
that, I called up all the people to pray for 
him; and he sunk down to the floor, and 
called on God for mercy. 1 left him, and 
three others, in sore distress for their sins — => 
some found the pearl of great value — thanks 
be to the Most High—it W£*s a happy time 
to my soul. 

Saturday 16th, I read and prayed, and found 
?n uninterrupted peace in my soul. 



«5S 

Sunday 17»h, I preached to a tender heartei 
people, and the Lord poured uut his Spirit 
upon them ; some wept, and some groaned, 
while God's children were rejoicing in his 
love ; one lound peace ; two joined society ; 
and it was a good time to my soul. 

I went to my next appointment, where I 
preached with great liberty, and the Master 
laid to his almighty arm of power. There 
was a great shaking among the dry bones, 
several fell to the floor, some as dead men, 
while the cries of others for mercy, were 
verv great ; several lav as in the agonies of 
death, and several found peace to their troubled 
souls, whereby they were enabled to rejoice 
in the Rock of eternal ages. Two professed 
that God had deepened the work in their souls, 
and eight joined society may G d record 
their names in the Lamb's book ot hfe. This 
meeting held from three o'clock until night} 
some were shouting praises to God and \ hp 
fcarob, some praying with and for the ^d|S, 
consolate, so thai the noise might be heard 
afar off. It was a day of God's power to 
many souls, and several went from the house, 
crying to God for mercy ; for my own part, 
1 was almost lost is the ocean of love. J 
spoke until 1 was so exhausted that I could 
sav no more ; and then 1 withdrew from the 
house ; 1 went and laid down in order to 
retresh the body. _ 4 

Wednesday 20 h, I met class, the Lord 
was with us in. power, and his dear children 



25S 



were all filled with love. I was so happy that 
I could contain no more, and I told them that 
I was as happy as I would wish to be in the 
hour of death. Glory to God, for what he 
has done for poor me ! Happy is that people, 
who is in such a case ; yea^ happy is that 
peopk, whose God is the Lord : Psa. cxliv. 
ver. 15. 

Thursday 21st, We had a melting time 
under the word ; and in class also we had a 
precious time : seven joined society, Several 
seemed as it were lost in the ocean of love : 
The fruit of the Spirit is love % joy, peace , &£. 
Gal. v. 22, 

Friday 22d, I went to a friend's house and 
held prayer meeting ; and we had a precious 
time ; some poor sinners wept sorely ; may 
God comfort them! I thank God, we had a 
happy time there. 

Saturday 23d, I went to see a friend ; and 
she told me that a young man in the neigh- 
bourhood wanted to see me ; I asked her, 
for what ? she replied, that he had dreamed 
he waa in hell , and in his torment and dread- 
ful agony, he thought that he saw me at a 
distance, praying for him with uplifted hands — 
he then awoke, in the greatest distress imagin- 
able, all in a profusion of sweat, so great had 
been his agony. He immediately after, came 
in, where I was, and related the same thing, 
I told him it was a loud call to prepare to 
meet God ; and he appeared very sensible 
of his imminent danger j and promise to a* 



254 

mend bis life. I recommended them to God, 
in prayer, and left them and went to town, 
Sunday 24th, I preached, and had a melt- 
ing time ; some cried out aloud ; it was a 
happy time to my soul. In the afternoon, 
brother C. preached from, And in hell he 
lifted ub his eyes, being in torments, Luke 
xvi. 23. and God attended the word m power. 
After he had concluded, I arose and gave an 
exhortation from the same words; and one 
•sunk to the floor, and many wept aloud, and 
we had a shout in the camp. \ went to one 
of the distressed, and prayer was mack for 
her ; but her mother came and seized her by 
the arm, and When she found that she dig 
not answer her by moving, she began \% 
pinch her, as if she would pinch pieces out 
of her flesh. I looked up, and prayed to God, 
to have mercy on this, old devil-hardened sin- 
ner, and called upon ail the people to pray 
for the poor old sinner ; she seemed to be 
struck, for some time; but soon got hc| 
daughter by the arm again and pulled and 
bore her off— this was a precious day to my 
soul— Glory to God for the wonders of re- 
deeming love ! 

Monday 25th, I read, meditated, and prayed 
through the day ; and held a prayer-meetii % 
in the evening. God was with us m a power- 
ful manner ; and many were filled with love. 

Tuesday 26th, 1 preached and the power 
of the Lord was present to heal ; in class we 
had a shout in the can p— Glory to God or 
ever, this was a precious time to many souls. 



255 



Wednesday 27th, I preached, and the Lord 
attended the word with the energy of his 
holy Spirit ; his children were refreshed in 
spirit, and built up in die faith : four joined 
society. Praise the Lord, O my sou!, and 
let all my powers magnify the Most High ! 

Thursday 28th, I preached, and had the 
shout of a King in the camp of Jesus* Many 
seemed to bathe in the fountain that was 
opened to the house of David, und to the in- 
habitants of Jerusalem f for sin and unclean- 
ness : Zech. xm. 1. — It was a precious time 
to my soul. In the everting we had a peace- 
able waiting before the Lord, and I trust some 
had their strength renewed. They that wait 
upon the Lord shall reftetX) their strength ; 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; 
they shall ran> and not be iveary ; they shall 
walk and not faint: Isa. xl 31. 

Friday 29th, I preached and administered 
the Lord\s Supper : we had a favoured time 
to our edification— Thanks be to God for 
his love to his creatures. The next day, I 
met three classes and had a precious time 
among the dear children of God. — Many of 
them seemed as if lost in redeeming love ; 
and a baptist woman joined society. In the 
evening we had a shout in the camp ; and 
two joined class, and several were lost as in 
the ocean of God's love ; it was a good time 
to my own soul. 

Sunday Slst, In the morning the Master 
of assemblies was present ; some wept ; and 



256 

we had a small shout. In the afternoon ap- 
pointment, the Lord laid to his helping hand 
in the power and energy of his spirit; the 
devil was put to flight ; and I believe above 
fifty fled out the house, with fright, anger, 
or astonishment for the people fell down be- 
fore the Lord, as men slain m the battle, and 
lav as if they were dead ; thus the cries and 
screeches of the wounded, so alarmed the 
wicked, that divers of them could not stand 
it, and were put to flight. But many others 
were clapping their hands, shouting praises 
to God and the Lamb, for the manifestation 
of his love shed abroad in their hearts ; so 
that we had the shout of a King in the camp. 
Glory be to God, who caused the strong holds 
of the devil to give way. Our little army was 
in cood spirits, filled with faith and the Holy 
Ghost; and! trust, in the strength of Jesus, 
we took the ground : thanks be to God for 
that day's victory. So shall the Lord of hosts 
come down to fight for Mount Zion, Isa. xxxi. 
4 And the Lord wrought a great victory 
that day : 2 Sam. xxni. 10. Ihne Lord, 
is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, 
and the victory, and the majesty : 1 Chron. 

XX S?ptember 1st, 1794, 1 read and prayed, &c. 
In the evening I held a prayer- meetmg ; and 
we had a good time : one fell to the floor 
crying to God for mercy, and found peace to 
her soul ; three boys were powerfully wrought 
upon, and wept bitterly. 



t57 



Tuesday S3, I read and prayed, &c. through 
the day ; and in the evening held prayer- 
meeting; we had a precious time, and a shout 
in the camp—many were happy in God's love. 

Wednesday 3d, I preached, and the Lord 
was present to wound and to heal. Some cried 
out, under a sense of their undone state by 
nature ; some sighed ; some groaned; some 
shouted praises to God ; and some ran away 
as if determined to take hell by storm, rather 
than to expose themselves in the congrega- 
tion, by begging or crying for mercy at the 
hand ol: God. What a pity that the opposers 
do not well consider, Acts, v, 39. But if 
it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it ; lest 
haply ye be found even to fight against God ; 
again. Acts xxii'i. 9. Let us not Jight against 
God. ' 

Thursday 4th, On my way to my next 
appointment, I overtook a woman, to whom 
I said, How do you do? she answered, "I 
am very poorly, and am taking a ride for my 
health"— This, said I, brings us to think of 
death*—" Do you think, said she, that I have 
lived fifty two years and never t1s6ught of 
dying ? I perceive that you are a methodist ; 
I know my prayers, and have got my prayer- 
book and my bible, and can read as well as 
you"— she then asked my name — I told her 
Benjamin Abbott — " Ah ! said she, I have 
heard of yo ir preaching hell and damnation 
to the people ; but I would never suffer any 
one to tell me of hell and damnation. "— Do 

% 



you know, said I, what our Lord said ? "Yes, 
said she, as well as you do." I told her that 
our Lord said, Verily verily 1 say unto thee, 
except a man be born again, he cannot see the 
kingdom of God; John in. 3; and if you 
are not born of the Spirit, (living and dying 
so) you will as surely be damned as that you 
have got a soul — she appeared rather angry, 
and there being a gate that led to the left, she 
turned in thereat, and so we parted. I went 
on, thinking what poor creatures we are by 
nature. I spent the remainder of the day m 
prayer for the prosperity of Zion. 

Friday 5th, I rode to brother H's, and 
wet class in the evening ; and the Lord poured 
•ut his blessings in such a manner upon us, 
that the weeping and shouting might have 
been heard a great «%y off. Glory to God ! 
that was a happy time to many souls. So 
the people shouted when the priests blew the 
trumpets. And when the people heard the 
sound of the trumpets, and the people shouted 
-with a great shout, the wall fell down fat.* 
Joshua, vi. 20. 

Saturday 6th, I rode to my appointment, 
and preached to a blessed people, and the 
.Lord was with us in a powerful manner. 
In class, the dear people spoke very feelingly 
of God's goodness to their souls/and we had 
a precious time. At night 1 met class, and 
we had a shout in the camp. And when the 
ark of the covenant came into the camp, aU 
Israel shouted with a great thoift, so that the 



259 



earth rang again: 1 Sam. iv. 5, Several 
were lost in the ocean of love ; and three 
joined society. This was a precious time to 
niy soul. 

Sunday 7^h, I preached with freedom ; after 
preaching, I met class and we had a favoured 
time. I went home with one of the friends ; 
and in family prayer we had a happy time — 
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is 
within me praise his holy name for ever. 

Monday 8 h, I preached, and the Lord 
poured out his Spirit, and we had a shaking 
among the dry bones of Israel, (see Ezek. 
xxxii.) Some were lost in the ocean of love ; 
and in class we had a precious time ; and in 
family prayer the Lord poured out his Spirit, 
and we had a shout ; I was as happy as I 
could wish. 

Tuesday 9'h, I preached, and the Master 
favoured us with a feeling sense of his pre- 
sence, several were lost in the ocean of love. 
Six joined society, and divers spoke feelingly 
of God's goodness to their souls. 

Wednesday 10th, The Lord was present 
in our assembly, to the joy of his children. 
In class, he particularly remembered his needy 
creatures. I was happy in my own soul ; but 
was under bodily affliction, which prevented 
me from preaching in the evening. 

Thursday 11th, I continued full of pain in 
body but happy in soul. Glory to God, when 
he afflicts wi'h one hand, he comforts with 
the other. The days of affliction have taken 
hold upon me : Job xxx» 16. 



260 



Fridav 12h, 1 had a fit of the ague, which 
was followed with a violent fever; during 
Which period, being fight-headed, and wander- 
ink- in my mind, I was informed that I con- 
tinued preaching and praying until it abated. 

Saturday l3lh, being a little better I went 
and met class in the evening, and had a pre- 
cious time— thanks be to God for his good- 
ness to poor me. n * 
Sunday 14 h, I was very unwell ; but I 
besought God, that if it was his will that I 
should go to my appointments, that he would 
strengthen me for this once, as he did Samp- 
son among the Philistines; and he did sot 
for I was enabled to attend my morning ap- 
pointment, and preach ; and blessed be God, 
he laid to his helping hand and we had a shout 
in the camp, and four joined society. I at- 
tended my other appointment and preached* 
and the Lord poured out his Spirit in power. 
At the table of the Lord, we had such a time 
a, I never saw before ; divers lost all thepowef 
of their bodies, and were overwhelmed m the 
love of God, and seemed lost in redeeming 
love. I tarried with them until I was so o- 
vercome that I was obliged to retire to the 
house, where I threw myself on the bed, unti 
I recovered my bodily strength a little ; but 
I still heard them shouting praises to God 
and the Lamb. This was a happy day to 
mv soul. Let the wilderness and « ft « 
thereof lift up their voices : let the inhabitants 
Vf the Rock sing f let them shout from the 
top of the mountains i lag* x^j *h 



261 



Monday 1 5th, I was very unwell, and just 
as my ague was coming un, I went into the 
cold bath, and then into bed, where I was 
covered up warm ; and in fifteen minutes I 
began to sweat, and the ague left me ; but 
the fever returned, and I remained very un- 
well all next day* 

Wednesday 17th, I went to town, and met 
class ; and the Lord was present to the joy 
of many souls : I was as happy as I could 
wish to be in the body. 

Thursday 1 8th, I attended my appointment 
and preached to the people ; and we had a 
precious time, and God's children were filled 
with his love. In class, his power was pre- 
sent to the joy of many souls. I went home 
with Joshua Dudley, and spent the evening 
much to my satisfaction in conversing on the 
things of God. Next day, I went to town, 
and on the 2 1st, 1 preached in the forenoon, 
and had a peaceable waiting on the Lord. 
In the evening the Lord was with us of a 
truth : some cried out, some fell to the floor, 
and others seemed ravished with the love of 
God. 

On the 25th, I went to brother V % 

and preached, and the Lord poured out his 
Spirit ; some fell to the floor, and others were 
lost in redeeming love. Here I remained a- 
bout two weeks : my horse being lame and 
unable to travel ; and I was so much afflicted 
myself, that I was obliged to take my bed- — 
During my illness, brother V. was taken with 



$62 

the pleurisy and lay about ten days, and then 
departed this life in the triumphs of faith. 
Blessed we the dead which die in the Lord. 
Rev. xiv 13. 

Soon after this, our quarterly meeting be* 
gan at Georgetown, and we had a shout In 
the camp ; some fell to the floor, Others cried 
aloud for jnercy ; two said, that God had 
sanctified their souls • and others that they 
had found him of whom Moses and the 
Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth— Glory 
to God for what he has done for sinners « 
Sing, ye heavens ; for the Lord hath done 
it : shout, ye lower parts of the earth -. break 
forth into singing, ye mountains, forests, 
and every tree therein : for the Lord hath 
redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel t 

Isa. XLiv, 23. . 

[The compiler is sorry, that he is not pos- 
sessed of any information relative to Mr Ab* 
bott's labours, from any thing that appears 
in the manuscripts, for near the space of five 
months from this time : as the next thing 
that occurs is a letter dated February 1795 i 
an extract of which, is as follows:] 

Rev. Sir, 

Oh, what species of disquietude, what kind of 
anxiety and remorse is that which occupies my breast 1 
It is beyond expression ; but I cannot assign any wise 
cr good' reason for such an extraordinary sensibility— 
probably it mav be said, that it is for want of informa- 
tion in respect of education, that I am ignorant ot 
ttris strange sensation— not so— I have languages ; i 



263 



have philosoyhy ; I have astronomy ; I am acquainted 
with the motions o\ heavenly bodies 5 I have me arts 
and sciences, &c See, and yet cannot oblaw consola- 
tion and serenity of mind ; but am harrased, and won* 
dqrfuily tormented by, I known not what, in the silent 
watches of the nig-ht ; I am alarmed with dreams, 
visions, and awful apprehensions — Sir, your thou^nts 
upon this, I want ; and hope, that in the course of 
your discourse to morrow, that you may communicate 
something which may console the mind oi your dis- 
consolate friend, 

J. H D* 

+0 the Hey. Father Abbott. 

The author of this extract, was one who 
|iad denied the divinity qf our Lord Jesus 
Christ \ but, having been previously convinced 
about hi§ soul, he came to our quarterly 
meeting, and the Lord struck him with such 
a ^sense of his sin, and with such power that 
he fell to the floor, and lay as one dead for 
near, or quite the space one hour ; and when 
be came to, he praised God for his deliver- 
ance.— Next morning he burnt all his romantic 
books, and amongst them fame's Age of 
Reason;* and sent for a barber and had 
his hair cut short, having formerly worn it 
long ; he joined class, and now stands in a 
fair w^y for the kingdom of God, 

* Rather, his abominable book of infidelity ; or ob- 
ficene, iudicvous, sophistical logic, in contempt of re- 
ligion, and support of profanity and licentiousness. 
Jind there was given unto him a mouth xficaking 
great things and fitasfihemies : and he opened his 
mouth in blaafihemy against God to bla*/Uume, his 
-name, and his tabernacle, tyid them that dwell in 
keuven ; Ray, XU i, $ 9 $ 



264 

At this quarterly meeting we had a very 
powerful time ; the slain fell down before the 
Lord like Dagon before the ark. Some pro- 
fessed justification, and others that God had 
deepened the work of religion in their souls, 
by civen them sanctifying grace. *1 he flame 
spread round the circuit, and many were 
brought to die knowledge of God. A great 
revival took place in the town ; and it was 
kept up for the space of near or quite six 
months, and many were brought to the know- 
ledge of the truth, in that little town, for 
which my soul adores the God and Rock of 
jnv salvation. 

'in one of our meetings I observed a quaker 
young woman, in the time of meeting, gazing 
among the slain v hich lay all around her ; 
perceiving her to be unconcerned, and in- 
sensible of her own state, 1 told her that she 
ought to pray for her own soul's happiness : 
looking her right in the face, I began to pray 
for her with aU the power that God had given 
me • and I called upon all in the house to do 
likewise. 1 soon perceived that she could not 
stand the power of prayer ; she hung down 
her head, and made for the door ; but the 
croud being so great, she could not hastily 
get out of die house— observing this, 1 cried 
to God to pursue her by the energy of his 
Spirit, through the streets ; to pursue ner m 
the parlour, in the kitchen, and in the garden ; 
to pursue her in the silent watches of the 
pight, and to bhew her the state of the damned 



265 



in hell ; to give her no rest day nor night, 
until she found rest in the wounds of a blessed 
Redemmer I Three days after, as she was 
walking in the garden, God set all her sins 
in an alarming manner before her eyes; she 
went into the house, and told her mother that 
she had done enough to condemn her soul for 
ever ; even for disobedience to her, she might 
be condemned ; but, said she, " 1 have found 
a people that serves God, and I am deter- 
mined to go amongst them." Her mother 
said, before she should go among them, jshe 
would break every bone in her skin ; "Wei!, 
said she, I am determined to save my soul ; 
but in every other thing to obey you as a 
child"— upon this, there came in an old friend, 
and he strove to persuade her to remain a- 
mong the friends ; but she told him that she 
was determined to give dilligence to save her 
soul : accordingly, she went to a prayer-meet- 
ing, where the" Lord broke in upon her soul 
with power ; she joined class, and became 
very bold in the cause of God, bearing the 
cross of Christ, and praying in meetings ap- 
pointed for that purpose ; and she stands fair 
for the kingdom of God. Some time after, 
she came to see me, and told me how angry 
she was at me when I prayed for her as above 
related ; but now, said she, I thank God that 
J ever saw thy face, notwithstanding my trials 
from my friends are very great. I told her, 
that if she was faithful she might conquer or 
win them all, and exhorted her to stand fast 
X 



g86 

in that liberty wherewith Christ had made 
her free. 

[N. B. Here the account, which Mr. Ab- 
bott gave of himself, in his Manuscripts, 
ends. 3 



NARRATIVE 

of raR 

LIFE AND DEATH 

OF THE 

$EV. BENJAMIN ABBOTT, 

BY JOHN FFIR.TH. 



THIS eminent servant of Christ was born 
in the year of our Lord 1732 : as he grew 
in years, he grew in vice; and being a stout 
strong man, and pf a good constitution, few 
men were able to contend with him in bodily 
strength. Being naturally fond of company 
and strong drink, It often ltd him into vice 
and bad company ; where, if any affront or 
insult were offered him, he seldom tailed to 
deal out blows in a very heavy and plentiful 
manner to the aggressor— Yet 1 never under- 



Mood that he ever beat or abused a civil man* 
However, he took great delight in fighting, 
and frequently attended fairs, and other public 
places, in order to meet vath those of his 
own disposition; At other times he worked 
hard, and got a comfortable living for his 
family, arid supported the character of an honest 
man ; and as far as I ever heard, made a good 
husband and a kind parent. In his most wicked 
days, he considered it beneath the dignity of 
a man to use his wife or children ill; _ 

He continued in this scene of life, until the 
fortieth year of his age, when the Lord, ifi 
his infinite mercy, met with him in the power 
and energy of his Spirit, and convinced him 
of his undone and fallen state. He sought 
God ; and, after many painful conflicts of soul, 
he found peace and pardon on the 12th day 
of October i?72> in commemoration of his 
conversion to God, he annually kept the 12th 
day of October unto the Lord, in fasting, 
prayer, and thanksgiving* until the day of his 

death. « ^ A 

Shortly after his conversion, he was called 
of God to labour in his vineyard, in which 
he conferred not with Hesh and blood ; but, 
like St. Paul* he immediately preached Christ, 
and him crucified ; shewing that the grace ol 
God abounded to the chief of sinners : in de- 
livering the everlasting "truths of the gospel, 
he was above the fear of men or devils. He 
was neither elevated by applause, nor yet de- 
jected by persecution ; and whether he was 



268 



called a good man or a devil, it was of the least 
importance to him. His chief concern ap- 
peared to be the knowledge of his duty to 
God, and the faithful discharge of the same, 
independently of what men might think or say. 

He was a man of great humility ; he pos- 
sessed an affable child-like simplicity ; he was 
bold in the cause of God ; fervent in his -de- 
votion and supplications ; zealous in declaring 
the truth, and everlastirig gospel of Christ; 
in which he neither sought nor courted the 
applause of man. On all occasions he laboured 
with great zeal and diligence, declaring the 
terrors of God ? s law against the ungodly, and 
administering consolation to the penitent, by 
the promises of the gospel. 

He was a man of great faith, and often spoke 
in the power and demonstration of the Spirit, 
©f which he was favoured of God in a very ex- 
traordinary manner. The Lord often wrought 
wonders by and through his instrumentality, 
to the conviction, conversion, and sanctifica^ 
tion of many. And although his language 
was neither learned nor eloquent ; but, on the 
contrary, plain, simple, and illiterate— yet it 
was frequently attended with such divine 
power and energy on the hearts of the hear- 
ers, that they fell before him, like men slain 
in battle by the mighty power of God. In 
him it was clearly manifested, that the ex- 
cellency of the power was not of man, but of 
God, He spoke not in the wisdom of man, 
but with the power of God. He was upwards 



269 



bf sixteen years a local preacher in the metho* 
v dist connection ; but be laboured and travelled 
considerably during that period ; and* perhaps 
no local preacher was ever known to be more 
useful in the connection,, He was abundant 
in labours, in zeal and in faith* 

In April, 1789, he entered the itinerant 
connection, in which he laboured with his 
usual zeal and diligence ; though often under 
great affliction of body. It appeared that where- 
ever he went, the Lord was with him, and 
made him an instrument in the conversion 
of sinners. 

In 1790, he was elected to the office of a 
deacon ; and in 1793 he was ordained an elder ; 
yet so great was his humility and modesty , 
that he never made anv mention of either m 
his manuscripts* He travelled and laboured 
till his bodily strength failed him. In May, 
X79S, he retured home under bodily affliction, 
and was never afterwards able to attend * 
circuit. 

He was a son of thunder in the ministry, 
and diligent in attending on the means of 
grace ; He stood firm for the cause of God, 
reproving, warning, and exhorting ail that 
Came in his wav, as a workman that needed 
not to 6e ushamed : and often it was a bread 
east on the water, to be gathered after many 
days. 

It is not my design to amuse my readers 
in a biographical manner ; yet, as a tribute 
due to the memory of a pious and useful 

% 



servant of God, and for the information and 
satisfaction of God's people, permit me to say. 
from many years personal acquaintance with 
him — that, as a christian, he was a man who 
feared God, and kept his commandments ; 
and as a minister in promulgating the gospel, 
he always appeared to have an eye smgle to 
the glory of God and salvation of souls — An 
example, worthy of imitation by all the watch- 
men of Zion. 

Perhaps it may not be amiss to give an 
extract from the minutes of conference, for 
the year of our Lord 1796, where we have 
the testimony of his brethren m the ministry, 
shewing how he stood in the opinion and 
esteem of them : — ; 

" Question — Who have died this year ? 
«♦ Answer — Benjamin Abbott, about twenty 
years in the society;* several years a local 
preacher. Eight or ten years of his life he 
travelled considerably through York, Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland-t^ He 
was aman of a child-like simplicity and sin- 
cerity ; of great faith and unshaken confidence 
in God. Teaching his ministry, he was not 
skilled in the refinements of language, or art* 

~In this there is a small mistake : he was in society 
m^ard of twenty-three years He was a local preach- 
Ifbetter than sixteen years, and a trailing preacher 
w ttcl than seven years. . He pined society about Fe- 
Sy 1773, and died August, 1796-malung about 
♦wentv-three years and six months. 
' fTbistalwle* part of his travels as a local preacher, 



271 

of elocution ; yet has often been heard to speak 
with the demonstration of the Spirit and with 
great power. He was owned of God as an 
instrument of convincing, converting, and 
sanctifying power to man? souls. He laboured 
with great weakness toward the last ; and al- 
though a strong man in body, was brought 
down to a child-like weakness, and lingered 
out his days in pain. He died, August 1796. 
Perhaps he was one of the wonders of America, 
no man's copy— an uncommon zealot for the 
blessed work of sanctification, and preached 
it on all occasions and in all congregations, and 
what was best of all, lived it— He was an in- 
nocent holy man—He was seldom heard to 
speak about any thing but God and religion— 
His whole soul was often overwhelmed with 
the power of God. He was k nown to hundreds, 
as a truly primitive methodist preacher ; and 
a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. HU 
last labours were upon the Eastern- Shore, 
where many will remember him for years to 
come; and will, we hope and trust, shout 
the praises of God and the Lamb with him 
to all eternity. Several revivals have takea 
place by his means ; sometimes upon the hearts 
of the preachers and people: yea, we trust 
the sacred flame still spreads in the much 
favoured peninsula, begun chiefly by his in- 
strumentality. His life was pressed out as at 
every pore of the body : he was brought very 
low before he died, and made perfect through 
Suffering.'* 



It is well known that Mr. Abbott's seal in 
the cause of God, often led him to labour 
in his master's vineyard, even when under 
great bndily affliction ; which were frequently 
encreased b? his loud and long speaking, till 
nature seemed at times almost exhausted ; so 
great was his love to, and concern for, the 
welfare of precious souls* This led him to 
so close an attention to his circuit, and punc* 
tual attendance on his appointments, that he 
was seldom at home, during his travels as an 
itinerant preacher; but when at home, his 
zeal and diligence were still the same, and his 
labours were to the edification of the church : 
many, on those occasions, have witnessed the 
truth of Solomon's assertion, Iron sharpeneth 
Iron ; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of 
his friend. Prov. xxvn> 17. For my own 
part, I have thought that his appearance m 
the congregation was a means of giving life 
and vigor to the assembly \ at least it has 
been so to me. < 

His last appointment stands on the minutes 
for Cecil circuit, state of Maryland ; but he 
laboured that >ear likewise in Kent. On his 
way to a quarterly meeting, about the first of 
February 1795, the presiding elder mentioned 
to him, "That the people there thought he 
« had power, bv faith, to open or shut the 
" gates of heaven"— Mr. Abbott said to me f 
when conversing on this subject, " It went 
" through mv'~ soul like a dagger, I was 
* grieved, for X saw Uiat Ote idea led to idolatry^ 



273 

4 * in ascribing to a poor mortal the power 
" which is due to God only* I felt as if my 
" usefulness were at an end ; although I did 
" not discover to brother W — , the presiding 
" elder, how exceedingly I was hurt, nor 
" was he, I believe, sensible of it." They 
attended the quarterly meeting in great har- 
mony : and the Master of assemblies was pre- 
sent to the joy and consolation of many. At 
night, Mr. Abbott was taken very ill, and 
never was able to attend a circuit as a tra- 
velling preacher, or scarcely ever to preach 
afterwards ; so that his usefulness, indeed, vyas 
in one sense at an end — I shall here give 
an account of his illness, or affliction according 
to the best information I have been able to 
obtain. 

He was taken on the 2d or 3d of February 
'95 with a violent ague, which continued dur- 
ing the night, and was followed by a violent 
fever and pain in his side : a doctor was called 
in, who blistered him, and gave such other 
prescriptions as he thought proper. The doctor 
visited him a few times, and then (all human 
probability of recovery being gone) gave him 
up as a dead man. He lay in this low con- 
dition about three weeks ; and so intent was 
his mind in the cause of God and upon the 
work of the ministry, that, at times, when light- 
headed through the violence of the fever, he 
would pray and preach, and dismiss the con- 
gregation, supposing himself on his circuit, and 
tell them, that day two weeks they might l as- 
pect preaching again. 



One day, several friends being present, and 
apprehending that he was near his end, he 
was asked ""if he did not think he was dying i 
he answered, no : God had not made it known 
to him, and he did not think that he would 
take him out of the world without giving him 
some foresight of it ; but added, 1 am perfectly 
resigned to the will of God, either m life or 
death. He has since informed me, that his 
peace was a river, and that the devil was not 
permitted to tempt him during all his illness ; 
for which his soul magnified the Most High. 

About the 23d of February he began to 
mend ; but still continued in a rack of pain, 
which in a great measure banished sleep from 
him— But a doctor, who was a member of 
society, went to see him, and administered 
some medicine that immediately relieved him ; 
and when he called on him next day, found 
him better, and proposed his being moved 
to his own house ; as the distance add multi- 
plicity of his business prevented him from at- 
tending him where he then was. I regret 
that I am not, at present, possessed of the 
names of th dear family and the doctor ; who, 
together with other friends, were Very kind 
to him. Many came to see him from far and 
near; and after he began to mend so as to 
exercise himself a little, " We had," said he 
« precious times together in singing and 

praying." , . 

He was removed to the doctor's in a carnage* 
without receiving any injury by the journey. 



275 

ii&ere he was kindly received. Prayer-meet- 
ings were held in the room where he lay ; and 
the Master of assemblies used to be present 
in the power of his Spirit to the consolation of 
hi s children. And notwithstanding all his af- 
fections of body, he informed me thai he had 
precious and happy times with that dear family ; 
and that he had reason to believe God ha<3 
deepened his work b the hearts of both the 
doctor and his wife. When the doctor was 
put, his wife generally staid with him in the 
room, where their conversation was about the 
work of God and his gracious dealings to their 
souls. It appears he was upwards of two 
months at the doctor's, where he so far re ~ 
covered as to be able to walk out and to travel 
a little ; though his cough and spitting still 
continued. He left there about the first of 
May, if my information be correct. 

I find in his own hand writing the following 
note : from which it appears that he attended 
the quarterly meeting at Dover that spring, 
The note appears to be written after he left 
the doctor's. 

<* The quarterly meeting began May the -day—* 

« and many young converts were there, and they had 
« a proper shout in the camp ofGod — rn any fell to the 
«< floor and cried for mercy, and*divers of the inhabit- 
" ants of the town were awakened. There were three 
« pious young women who came from Chester town, 
« and who professed that God had sanctified their 
" souls ; and they iived agreeable to their profession j 
« and divers persons flocked to them to enquire the 
y way to glory : they continued in prayer for such* 



2?T6 

« «verv day, all the week* A number were converted 
" to God, and eighteen joined society and the old 
« l members seemed all on stretch for the kingdom— • 
* « Glory to God for a revival in Dover. 

This is the last sentence that I find. penned 
by him. Shortly alter, he returned home, in 
so low a state of health that he was unable 
to preach, and scarcely able to attend a meetng, 
where he spent about two months amongst 
his children and friends. Having recovered 
his strength a little, in August 1795, he at- 
tended quarterly meeting at Murphey's church, 
on Salem circuit, where he gave an exhortation 
on Saturday ; and the Master of assemblies 
attended his testimony whh the energy oi his 
holy Spirit, to the joy and consolation of many 
souls. On Sunday, in the love-feast, in his 
eshortation, he gave some account of the work 
of God in divers places ; and being filled with 
faith and the Holy Ghost, he claimed the 
promises, and the power of the Lord came 
down upon the congregation in such a manner, 
that the noise might be heard afar off. Some 
entreated God for Christ's sake to have mercy 
on their souls ; others shouted praises and ado- 
ration to the Most High. Several lay as in 
the agonies of death ; like David, their hearts 
panted, their strength failed, the light of their 
eyes were gone, their strength failed because 
of their iniquity, Psalm, xxxvm. 10 or like 
Daniel, 7 here remained no strength in them, 
Dan. x. 8. Why should it bethought strange, 
that a rational creature should tremble and fall 



m 

to the earth before God, under a sense of 
his awful presence : Moses informs us that the 
brute on which Balaam rode did so, when it 
saw the angel of God ; and why should not 
man tremble and fall before the mighty power 
of God ; It was a day of days to many souls, 
several professed to have found him of whom 
Moses and the prophets did write, to the joy of 
their souls ; and others, that God had deepened 
the work in them. Mr. Merick, the presiding 
elder, preached, and Mr. Abbott gave an ex- 
hortation, which was attended with power and 
a divine energy to many. After meeting, he 
retired to the widow Ayres's, where he re- 
mained for some days, being much broken 
down. He had a desire to attend Bethel quar- 
terly meeting ; but was not able, though only 
about twelve miles ofif. 

After this, he spent two or three months 
higher up the state, amongst his friends and 
children in the gospel. In the fail he went to 
Philadelphia, where he spent the winter among 
the friends ; they were very kind to him ; in 
particular, Hugh Smith and wife, for whom 
he had a great regard. They had a long ac- 
quaintance in that love and fellowship that 
makes glad the city of God, and uniteth the 
hearts of christians. Their acquaintance com* 
menced at an early period of methodism, on the 
Salem circuit, where Mr. Smith at that time 
resided, and where Mr. Abbott frequently held 
meetings, in the time of the American revolu- 
tion, and for some time afterwards. I mention 



this as a tribute of respect due to Mr. Smhh 
and his wife, who have been for a number of 
years as pillars in the house of God, and who 
have borne the heat and burden of the day, and 
who, I trust, will not lose their reward in their 
Father's kingdom. But there were other 
friends also, "whose kindness and friendly at- 
tention he experienced, and which he gratefully 
acknowledged. 

He returned from Philadelphia, in the spring 
of 17 96, to his son David's, at Upper Alio- 
ways creek, where he remained a lew days. 
Being very poorly, and haying a particular de- 
sire that 1 should assist him in some things re- 
lative to the manuscript of his life, he sent his 
son David with a request that J would go and 
sptnd some time with him for thai .-purpose. 
But the circumstances of my family weresuch ? 
at that time, that i could not leave home, for 
so bong a space ; especialh as Mr. Abbott was 
in so low a state of health, that he was not able 
to attend to the business above an hour or twq 
in a day ; therefore, 1 requested him to inforin 
his father, that if he could come to my house, 
that I would endeavour to assist him in the 
business. Accordingly, he left his son's to 
come to my house ; but on his way he stopped 
at his friend Judge Smith's, near Quintin's 
Bridge, to refresh and rest himself, where he 
was taken very ill, and lay at the point of death 
for several days. He was treated with the ut- 
most care and respect— Judge Smith has since 
Informed me that during his illness, he often 



expressed art uneasiness that the account of his 
life and labours was not conipleated to his satis- 
faction ; and that he lamented that he had so 
long delayed it. However, it pleased God to 
spare him a little longer ; and as soon as he 
was able, he eame to my house in the town of 
Siiem, about the 7th of April 17 96, where he 
remained some time in so a poor a state of 
health, that he was seldom able to perform 
family duty; or even to set up white it was 
performed, Twice he attended public meeting; 
at the first, he 'baptised two children, gave an 
exhortation suitable to the occasion, and re- 
lated some little account of the work of God — 
The second, and last that ever he attended, 
was at the funeral of Mrs. Paul, who had died 
triumphant in the faith. After the funeral 
g-rrnon was preached, by Mr. Morford, he a- 
rose and gave an exhortation, and particularly 
addressed himself to Mr. W— a man whom 
he had loved as himself, and who had, through 
the subtilty of Satan, departed from better* 
knowledge* In his exhortation, he called to 
mind the happy hours that he had spent under 
his roof; how much he (Mr. \V ) had done 
for the cause of God ; and how often they had 
rejoicecjl together, as fellow-labourers in Christ 
Jesus ; and then warned him, in the most 
solemn manner of his impending danger, in the 
love and fear of God ; until tears flowed, his 
strength failed, and he was unable to speak any 
longer. While the interment of the corspe 
took place, Mr. Abbott retired to a frieiuTs 



280 



house i being unable to attend it— After the 
interment, Mr. W. addressed the audience on 
the occasion and appeared angry, apprehending 
that he had been ill used. I spoke to him on 
the occasion, and endeavoured to reason the 
case with him ; but to very little purpose, for 
he apprehended that I had been the instigator 
of the supposed affront, and appeared as much 
offended with me, as with Mr. Abbott. After 
my return from the interment I went and in- 
formed Mr. Abbott of the matter,—" Why, 
said he, if I were able to take my horse and go 
and see him, I should not have made use of 
that opportunity ; but as I am not, able to go 
and see him, I was convinced that if I let that 
opportunity pass, I should never have another ; 
and I thought it was my duty to speak as I did ; 
therefore, I leave the event to God. I am sure, 
that it cannot hurt him, or do him an injury ; 
for a man that is posting in the broad way lo 
damnation, cannot be easily worsted— Ob . 
said he, I have seen the time that we have re- 
ioiced together, as fellow labourers in Christ, 
and it erieves my soul to see that the devil has 
cot the advantage of him!" On Mr W->s 
return home, he wrote a letter to Mr. Abbott, 
on thn occasion, justifying himseit and Ins con- 
duct. However, the Spirit of God fastened it 
on him, as a nail on a sure place : for at our 
first quarterly meeting, held at Salem, after 
Mr. Abbott's death, in the love-feast, Mr. W. 
rose and openly declared that God had healed 
all his baek-slidings, and that he had made his 



•281 

servant, Father Abbott, an instrument in his 
divine hand ttf bring about his restoration. I 
have been the more particular in this relation, 
because some of our triends were ready to dis- 
approve of Mr. Abbott for making use of, what 
they thought, a very unsuitable opportunity ; 
but it had its desired effect : Likewise to en- 
courage others to a faithful discharge of their 
duty, both in season and out of teason ; and in 
so doing, not to fear men or devils ; but in all 
things to keep an eye single to the glory of God, 
and good of souls. In the morning sow thy seedy 
end in the evening with hold not thine hand : 
for thou knowest not whether shall prospet 
either this or that, or whether they both shall 
be alike good, Eccles. xx. 6 

He was, after this, a few times able to offici- 
ate in family worship, in which he had near ac- 
cess to the throne of grace, and was truly 
solemn, weighty, and profitable. He was ever 
ready to join us with all his heart and strength 
in the performance of that solemn duty ; al- 
though often languishing upon his bed of af- 
fliction, while it was performed. 

He was at a certain day very desirous of 
having some things penned, that had lain heavy 
upon his mind ; but being rather more fatigued 
than usual— 44 We must give it over, said he, 
until to-morrow ; and I thank God, that in two 
hours more, with your assistance, I shall be 
ready to die." Next day, upon finishing the 
business, he aro.se and walked across the floor 
several times ; and in a transport of joy cried 

% 



out—" I thank God, I am ready to die f I 
have nothing to do but to die !" 

About the 1st of J une, hairing recovered a 
little strength, and finding himsell a little better, 
he left my house, in order to visit my brotner s 
family, some other friends, and his own child- 
ren J but upon hearing of the death oi Mr. ±5—, 
a man who had resided in my house, he return- 
ed, and attended the funeral. The Rev. 1. b— -,• 
who had been called by the connections of the 
deceased, to preach the funeral sermon, ob- 
served in his discourse that " Death was the 
king of terror, and that he made cowards ot us 
aU " After sermon, Mr. Abbott took an op- 
portunity to converse with Mr. S. on the sub- 
ject ; and said, that he did not believe the 
doctrine : for ptrfeet love casteth out all fear ; 
end he that fear eth is not made perfect in love; 
and that be believed a state attainable in this 
life, through grace, that would enable us to 
shout victwy to God and the Lamb through 
the valley of the shadow of death ; nay, 
through death itself, fear no evil Also, 
that he had seen many leave this world in the 
greatest transport of joy imaginable ; and m 
fne or two instances, that he did believe they 
Sad seen the angels of God with- the* boMy 
eves, before their departure. " And for my 
mrt said he, I can call God to witness, that 
& is no terror to me ! I am ready to meet 
mv God, if it were now. . 

That night he was taken very ill, and con- 
tinued so for some days ; but in the course of 



& Week he appeared to be something better i 
and at the intercession of his son David, he 
consented to be moved from my house to his. 
In a few days alter, I visited him, attended by 
the Rev. R Searl ; we found him resigned to 
the will of God, and happy in his love* When 
about to take our leave of him, " Come, said 
he, brethren, give us of your oil before you 
go the family being called together, Mr, 
Searl addressed the throne of grace, and we 
had a solemn weighty tinle ; and, blessed be 
God. hislamphad not gone out, nor yet grown 
dim. His lamp appeared to be bright burning, 
and well trimmed ; and he had a full supply 
of oil in his vessel, like the wise virgins men* 
tioned in Matt. xxv. 4, 

On Friday, the 12th of August, my brother 
went to see "him, and found him very poorly 5 
to whom he said, " Brother F firth, I am going 
to die ; and to-morrow you must go to Phila- 
delphia, for brother M^Claskey, to come and 
preach my funeral sermon to which my 
brother replied, Father Abbott, you may con- 
tinue for some time yet r as the time of your 
death is uncertain — " No, said he, I shall die 
before you would get back from Philadelphia, 
unless you should travel in the night my 
brother replied, It will not answer to go before 
your decease— Why, said he, 1 shall die, and I 
do not wish my body kept until it is offensive ; 
you know the weather is warm, and the dis- 
tance is considerable 5 that is true, replied my 
brother ; but if I were to go to Philadelphia 



284 

for brother M'Claskey, to preach your funeral 
sermon, aud you not dead, the friends would 
laugh at me, and he would not come. " Ah, 
said he, it may be so ; I never thought of that ; 
perhaps it will be best to stay until I am dead." 

Next day, observing a visible alteration in 
him, my brother concluded to tarry with him 
until his exit : during 'he day, he continued 
in a rack of excruciating pain ; which he bore 
With a christian patience and resignation. He 
was happy in God, and rejoiced at his ap. 
proaching' dissolution ; and seemed much en- 
gaged in his soul with God. He appeared to 
possess his rational falculties to his last mo- 
ments ; and for some time previous thereunto 
he was delivered from that excruciating pain, 
to the joy of his friends ; his countenance con- 
tinued joyful, heavenly, and serene. His last 
sentence,' that was intelligibly articulated, was. 
" Glory to God! I see heaven sweetly opened 
before me!"— After this' his speech so much 
failed, that he could not be distinctly under- 
stood, only now and then a word, as, See ! — 
see \— glory- \— glory I — &c. And for my own 
part, 1 firmly believe that he saw the angels of 
God, visibly with his eyes, before his exit; 
who were sent of God to convey his soul to the 
realms of bliss. That he saw someting, which 
he wished the bye-standers to see, was evident ; 
for looking on them, he often cried out, See l — 
see '.—pointing with his hand towards the foot 
of his bed ; and then Glory !— glory !— glory ! 
clapping his hands, and in the greatest raptures 



285 

or ecstacies of joy imaginable. Thus he con- 
tinued until nature was so exhausted, that in 
attempting to clap his hands, he seldom hit one 
hand against the other ; through faith he was 
enabled to shout victory to God and the Lamb I 
The sting of death was plucked out ; and death 
was as a' messenger of peace to him : It was to 
him only like a gate, through which he had to 
pass to glory ; thus in a triumph of faith, and 
filled with 'the Holy Ghost, he departed this 
life, without sigh or groan, about 10 o'clock, 
on Sunday the U h of August 1796 : aged a- 
bout 64 years. On the Tuesday following, 
he was burried in the methodist burial-ground 
in Salem, New- Jersey. The funeral was at- 
tended by a large number of his christian 
brethren, acquaintances, and fellew citizens. 
The Rev. John M'Ciaskey delivered a pathetic 
and moving discourse suited to the solemnity 
of the occasion i at the close of which, the Rev. 
Nathaniel Harris, of the presbyterian church, 
put up a prayer, and addressed the throne of 
grace in behalf of the human family at large, 
and in particular for his church and people that 
had sustained so great a loss : but our loss, no 
doubt, is his eternal gain. 

O happy exit ! though the body must 
Now mingle with its native mother dust ; 
Yet the bright seraphim, without delay, 
Escort his soul along the ethereal way, 
To realms, and thrones, and joys of endless day ! 
An-eis and saints, they hail him as he Mies ! 
Lo 1 " Welcome Abbott i jt now each cherub cries ; 
And hail and shout him welcome to the skies i 




286 



Now, hallelujahs to redeeming love, 
Resound and echo through the worlds above \ 
Glory to God, they sing, in anthems new I 
Abbott is there, and joins the chorus too. 

It may be worthy of notice, that it was the desire 
of Mr Abbott, for several- years, during his travels, 
that Providence might so order it, that, when he died, 
his body might be buried in the metnodist meeting- 
house yard, at Salem, in New-Jersey After a severe 
illness, in which he had been brought to the jaws of 
death, he recovered, in a measure, and returned home : 
and in a sermon he observed, on this subject,-— 4 I 
" thought, when I was on my way home, if it were the 
« will <rf. God, that I might, on my return, end my 
« days and lay my bones among you, my soul vvould 
«' leap for joy ; but the wiii of my God be done " It 
appears that the Lord granted him his request : for he 
died at home, and was buried in the yard where he had 
desired. 

The following occurrence, which took place in the 
course of his life, may deserve attention. 
He arose early one morning, in consequence of a 
dream or vision of the night, and went to the house of 
Jfo; T — , a man of repute and character, and an orderly 
member of the quaker church, not knowing any thing 
was the matter with him ; but upon enquiring of Mr. 
T— < how he was, he answered that he found himseli 
rather unwell— -he then informed him, that he had a 
message from God unto him, which had been revealed 
unto him in a vision of the night j and that he come in 
the love and fear of the Lord, to warn him to set his 
house m order, for-lhat thai he should die and nut live 
and that his days were few. Mr T— received his 
message, with a ch«stiati fortitude and solemnity, as 
became the occasion : they spent some time together, 
Conversing on the one thing needful Mr- T— *s com- 
plaint enereased, and at his request, Mr Abbott ire- 
quentiy visited him during his illness, which continued 
about eight or ten days: then he bade adieu to this 
vaie of tears, and I doubt not, but his soul rests in peace. 



The followifig lines were written, on bearing Mr. 
Abbott preach a farewell sermon (which p oved to 
be his last) in Peons-neck meeting-nouse, where he 
had been an instrument, in the hind ot God, not only in 
laying the foundation of the temporal, but also of the 
spiritual church; from 2 Cor xin. I}. Finally, 
brethren, farewell. Be perfect* be oj good comfort , 
be of one mind, live in fieace ; and the God of love and 
peace shall be with you. 

Be perfect ; holiness pursue; 

In love, be sure to dwell : 
Ano God, thro' Christ, shall comfort you; 
So brethren all farewell 
e of one mind, give God your hearts, 
And of his mercies tell ; 
Which he, through grace, to you imparts i 

So brethren all farewell. 
Now live in p-ace, for Christ is near; 

In love, strive to excel ; 
The God of peace shall soon appear ; 

So brethren all farewell. 
The y God of love and peace adore, 

And all things shall be well : 
We in this life shall meet no more ; \ \ 
So brethren all farewell. 



The following, is a short Account given oj 
Benjamin Abbott, by Hugh Smith, in a Let- 
ter to Ezekiel ( 1 ooper. 

Philadelphia, October 7th, 1801. 

Mr DEAR FEIENDy 

WHEREAS you are now publishing 
the Experience and Gospel Labours of the late Rev. 
Benjamin Abbott ; and a Narrative of his Life and. 
Death, by John Ffirth—froxn a convers tion which I 
had with you, some days ago, relative to my acquaint- 
ance with, and knowledge of Mr. Abbott, I take up 



288 



in v pen to communicate to yew a fetor particulars, which 
are in mv lecoilection, respecimg him. It is very cer- 
tain that I cannot, at present, accurately call to mind 
the particular circumstances relative to a great variety 
of events which I well knew in his life 1 never having 
made a minute of them, nor expecting ever to write 
them, thev tie so far gone from my memosy, that it 
vould take some considerable time to recollect, and 
arrange them in any methodical order 

In the year of our Lord 1776, 1 first became inti- 
mately acquainted with Mr Abbou. At that time he 
%vas convened to God, and a local preacher m the meth- 
cdisl connec tion . We then lived near neighbours, met 
in the same class, and had meetings legmarly at his 
house or mine, so that we were often together:^ * rom 
tlx time of my first acquaintance with him, as above 
meot.ored, I always took him to be a sincere, zealous 
and good man. He was instrumental, m the hand of 
God, to the conviction and conversion of a numbe r ol 
our neighbours, who turned from their wicked courses 
to serve° the living and the true God. I have known mm 
in the time of harvest, to take his men Horn the field 
to so with him to meeting, and yet pay them lor the 
full day's work - so great was his zeal and a* sire lor 
the people to attend the worship ot Almighty God. tie 
was in my opinion, a man of the greatest faith ever 
was acquainted with ; he was an agreeable neighbour 
and a social friend ; plain in his manners and deport- 
rrent ; plensant in his conversation ; meek and humble 
iii his spirit ; I do nut recollect, that I ever saw him 
even appear to be out of temper; so great was the 
v oik erace had done for him. . 

He appeared, as far as I could judge, to travel in 
spirit continually for precious souls. He, with great 
zeal and faith* used to urge conviction, repentance, and 
conversion, on the ungodly ; and among professors, he, 
wkd equal warmth of zeal and love, would insist on 
sanctifieation ; and the Lord remarkably blessed his 
labours. I recollect several meetings, that I was at, 
where professors experienced the blessing disanctihca ; 



289 

lion, under Vis ministry! The divine power of sover- 
eign grace, attended his ministry more wonderfully, and 
constantly that any one I ever was acquainted with, to 
the conviction and conversion of sinners, and to the sane- 
iification of believers. He worked hard at his worldly 
business; but would punctually attend public and pri- 
vate worship, prayer-meetings, society, and other meet- 
ings during the week. I have been with him, when af- 
ter working hard, we have walked a mile to the creek, 
then, after crossing, walk a mile and a half further to 
hold meeting ; and after returning, the same week to 
walk more than three miles to another place to hold 
meeting; beside, every Sabbath, he would attend at 
one place or another* Though his instrumentality there 
was a great reformation among the people. 

He used frequently to tell me of his life, and manner 
of living, during his unregenerate state. While he was 
3tn apprentice in Philadelphia, he was a wicked lad, as- 
sociated with bad company Sec. He used to quarrel and 
fight frequently. At times, by fighting, he has had his 
clothes so bloody, that he has stripped them off, and 
washed them in the night at the pumps in the streets ; 
and frequently, instead of going home, he used to steep 
In the quaker burying-ground, between the graves ; 
feeling, at that time, no terror from the living or the 
dead, by night or by day : he then feared not God nor 
regarded man. When he became a man he was parti- 
cularly noted for a great fighter; and but few excelled 
him in divers kinds of vice, He has been known to 
leave his business, and his dinner, and to walk several 
miles, to meet a noted fighter, in order to shew his 
manhood and bravery in that line. He frequently had 
to appear before the courts of justice, on account of 
those wicked courses ; and he generally plead guilty. 
At one of those courts, a certain gentleman, to whose 
care public peace and justice was committed, took a 
private opportunity to prevail on him, to turn out and 
fight a certain man who was there; for which he treat- 
ed him with a bowl of punch. Surely, his conversion 
yras a remarkable instance of sovereign grace and divine 



290 

mercy! The lion, became the lamb S The hero in the 
service of the devil, became a bold veteran m the ser* 
vice of God ! 

After his conversion, numbers had old grudges a- 
gainst him, and sought to ensnare him divers way ; but, 
by grace, he stood firm, and immovaoly attached to the 
cause of religion, maintaining a bold, uniform, and cir- 
cumspect life On a certain or casion, after his eonver, 
sion he had to appear before the grand-jury, and be- 
fore tbey entered on the business for which he was cal- 
led" he said to the jury, " Let us first go to fir ay er . 
he prayed, thev had a solemn time, and one of the jury, 
vr J struck under conviction. He was much persecuted 
by the ungodly ; but although his oppositions were ma- 
nv, he was nevertheless remarkably useful in his muu- 
S.'ry, a,,d in visiting the sick and distressed. 

There used to be great crying out, and shouting at 
his meetings, and such power used to attend his word, 
that the people were known to fall under it, as though 
they were sho or rut down by a sword At one of those 
powerful times, where the people cried out, and sho t- 
ed aloud, in cries of prayer and praise, a certain . travel- 
ling preacher, bemg then present, strove to stop him 
ind sUeoce the people, and bore his testimony against 
it but the worf st 11 went on in a wonderful manner ; 
La oreac ier, afterward was very sorry for his op- 
Z it o S acknowledged his error, believing that at 
K Power of God - I recollect a certain instance, 
when %T Ibbot, had been very sicj, and was recover 
in* a little, the friends in the neighbourhood, went to 
J ouar e ■ Ceting some distance off, and I went with 

when I put my loot m the Btirrup 1 fefc the powei m 



r 



291 



God come upon me and I was enabled to come" Sec. 
As he spoke those words, the mighty power of God 
came wonderfully upon the assembly ; and I felt, in a 
moment, as though there was an open expanse before, 
Jike eternity of space ; I lost sight of every thing else, 
and fell suddentiy to the floor, and cried to God for 
mercy ; this was when I was under conviction, pre- 
vious to my conversion to God- ^ There was a glorious 
and wonderful time at that meeting. 

I am confidently persuaded, that many will praise 
God to all eternity, for his goodness, in raising up Ben- 
jamin Abbott as a minister in the church of Christ. 
His labours were crowned with many seals to his 
ministry; he was an instrument in turning many to 
righteousness* After he sat out to travel as an itinerant 
preacher, he laboured in sundry circuits, till he was 
worn down under his toil and affliction. When he was 
unabled to travel any longer, he came to Philadelphia, 
to spent the winter with his friends ; he staid consider- 
ably at my house, and I found that he still possessed the 
the same simplicity ot manners, the same zeal, faith, 
and concerns for souls, that he had done for twenty 
years ; but his bodily health and strength were ex- 
hausted He retained a clear and strong evidence of 
his acceptance with God ; and appeared sensible that 
his end drew nigh. He had remarkable patience and 
resignation, which was visible and wonderful to the 
family ; he appeared all love, and was heavenly in his 
conversation I felt a strong desire, that, if it were the 
will of Cod, he might die at my house. I should have 
esteemed it an honor, conferred on me by providence, 
had so eminent a saint, and servant of God, ended his 
days under my roof. But he removed in the spring of 
1796 to the Jerseys, were he lingered out a few months 
in weakness and pain of body ; but in peace and happi- 
ness of soul : then " Closed his eyes to see his God." 
Mark the perfect man, the end of that man is peace. 
Let me die the death of the righteous, and my last end 
be like his. 



Were I to take some time for recollection? and to 
minute down the occurrences which were in my know- 
ledge, of Mr. Abbott, arid to arrange them in order, I 
b »• ve I might write a volume of tntersting circum- 
sta ces — In a word, he was a wonderful man, a great 
ch ■ ! in and a useful minister in the church of Christ; 
and m vv (I have no doubt) he shines like a bright 
star in glory. 





THE END. 




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